Calculating Displacement and Speed in a Standing Wave on a String

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculations of displacement, speed of propagation, and amplitude at a specific point on a string with a standing wave. The displacement is found using the formula A*cos(2*pi*t/T)*sin(2*pi*x/(2*s)), while the speed of propagation is calculated using the formula v = \lambda f and v = \frac{w}{k}. To find the amplitude at a point 3.20 to the right of an antinode, the formula y = (2A \sin kx) \cos \omega t can be used by substituting the value of x as x = \frac{\lambda}{4} + 3.2.
  • #1
Lakers08
7
0
Adjacent antinodes of a standing wave on a string are a distance 14.5 cm apart. A particle at an antinode oscillates in simple harmonic motion with amplitude 0.850 cm and period 8.00×10-2 s . The string lies along the + x - axis and is fixed at x = 0.

Find the displacement of a point on the string as a function of position and time.
Find the speed of propagation of a transverse wave in the string.
Find the amplitude at a point a distance 3.20 to the right of an antinode.


- the first question was pretty easy easy i just used the formula :
A*cos(2*pi*t/T)*sin(2*pi*x/(2*s)) T = period A = amplitude
and i got the result: 3.25*10^(-3)m. which is correct, now can anybody give me any clues on how to calculate the speed of the propagation and the amplitude at 3.20 to the right of the antinode?
 
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  • #2
if i remember correctly

[tex] v = \lambda f [/tex]

[tex] v = \frac{w}{k} [/tex]

For the third question you know an atinode is located at a distance of [itex] \frac{\lambda}{4} [/itex] so [itex] x = \frac{\lambda}{4} + 3.2 [/itex]

Also
[tex] k = \frac{2 \pi}{\lambda} [/tex]

Remember Stationary waves formula

[tex] y = (2A \sin kx) \cos \omega t [/tex]
 
Last edited:
  • #3


To calculate the speed of propagation, we can use the formula v = λf, where v is the speed, λ is the wavelength, and f is the frequency. In this case, the wavelength is equal to the distance between adjacent antinodes, which is 14.5 cm (0.145 m). The frequency can be calculated using the formula f = 1/T, where T is the period given in the problem. Plugging in the values, we get f = 1/8.00×10-2 s = 12.5 Hz. Now, we can calculate the speed using v = 0.145 m * 12.5 Hz = 1.81 m/s.

To find the amplitude at a point 3.20 cm to the right of the antinode, we can use the formula A*cos(2*pi*t/T)*sin(2*pi*x/(2*s)). In this case, the value of x is 0.032 m (3.20 cm converted to meters) and all the other values remain the same. Plugging in these values, we get A*cos(2*pi*t/T)*sin(2*pi*0.032/(2*0.145)) = 0.850*cos(2*pi*t/8.00×10-2)*sin(2*pi*0.032/0.290) = 0.850*cos(25*pi*t)*sin(0.219*pi). This is the amplitude at a point 3.20 cm to the right of the antinode.
 

FAQ: Calculating Displacement and Speed in a Standing Wave on a String

What is a standing wave?

A standing wave is a type of wave that occurs when two waves with equal amplitude and frequency travel in opposite directions, and interfere with each other. This results in areas of constructive and destructive interference, creating a pattern of nodes and antinodes.

How is a standing wave different from a traveling wave?

A standing wave does not propagate or travel through space like a traveling wave. Instead, it oscillates in place and does not transfer energy from one point to another. In a standing wave, the nodes and antinodes remain at fixed positions, while the amplitude at any point varies with time.

What factors affect the formation of a standing wave?

The formation of a standing wave is affected by the frequency and wavelength of the two interfering waves, as well as the medium through which the waves travel. The length of the medium also plays a role, as standing waves can only form in certain lengths that allow for the formation of nodes and antinodes.

What are some real-life examples of standing waves?

Standing waves can be observed in musical instruments, such as a guitar string or a pipe organ, where the interference of the original wave and its reflection creates a standing wave. They are also present in seismic waves, microwave ovens, and even in the vibrations of molecules in a crystal lattice.

How are standing waves used in practical applications?

Standing waves have many practical applications, such as in musical instruments, where they produce distinct harmonics and can be manipulated to create different sounds. They are also used in radio frequency (RF) technology, where the standing wave ratio (SWR) is used to measure the efficiency of an antenna. Additionally, standing waves are used in medical imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, to produce images of internal organs and tissues.

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