Calculate Velocity of Wave Function of Waves

This will give you the velocity of the wave. In summary, the conversation discusses two questions about calculating velocity for waves. The first question involves an ocean wave with a wavelength of 120m and a frequency of 8 per minute, resulting in a velocity of 15.96 m/s. The second question involves finding the velocity of a wave described by the function y=0.02sin(30x-400t), which can be solved by differentiating the argument of the sine function with respect to time.
  • #1
Philip Wong
95
0
hi guys,
two questions for today one real quick one (the velocity of waves), and one I need help on how to calculate velocity for wave function of waves.

Homework Statement



1) a ocean weave with a wavelength of 120m are coming in a a rate of 8 per minutes, what is the speed.

2)The wave function of a wave is described by: y=0.02sin(30x-400t), what is the velocity

Homework Equations


1) lambda = v/f , therefore v= f*lambda. Given f = 8/60 = 0.133

2) I don't know which equation to use, but I'm thinking about v=-wAsin(wt + sigma) ?

The Attempt at a Solution


1) v= 0.133*120= 15.96 m/s

really confused on how to do 2). can someone give me a step by step walk through on how to derive to a solution!

thanks!
 
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  • #2
The analytic form for a wave moving to the right is:

[tex]y = A\sin(kx-\omega t)[/tex]

So knowing this and the velocity equation you wrote out in Relevant equations (1), you can solve for this wave's velocity.
 
  • #3
Another way is to differentiate the argument of the sine func.(the phase) with respect to time and equate it to zero.
 

FAQ: Calculate Velocity of Wave Function of Waves

What is the equation for calculating the velocity of a wave function?

The equation for calculating the velocity of a wave function is v = λf, where v is the velocity, λ is the wavelength, and f is the frequency of the wave.

How does the velocity of a wave function relate to its frequency and wavelength?

The velocity of a wave function is directly proportional to its frequency and inversely proportional to its wavelength. This means that as the frequency increases, the velocity also increases, while as the wavelength increases, the velocity decreases.

How is the velocity of a wave function affected by the medium through which it travels?

The velocity of a wave function is affected by the properties of the medium through which it travels, such as density, elasticity, and temperature. In general, the velocity of a wave function will be higher in a medium with lower density and higher elasticity.

Can the velocity of a wave function change as it travels through different mediums?

Yes, the velocity of a wave function can change as it travels through different mediums. This is because the properties of the medium affect the speed at which the wave can travel. For example, sound waves travel at different velocities in air, water, and solids.

How is the velocity of a wave function related to the energy of the wave?

The velocity of a wave function is not directly related to the energy of the wave. However, the energy of the wave is related to its frequency and amplitude, which in turn affect the velocity of the wave. Higher frequency and amplitude waves will have higher energies and velocities than lower frequency and amplitude waves.

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