Completely Lost in this Physics Problem Sinusoidal transverse waves

In summary: So find the smallest number for which t increases by that amount..In summary, the conversation discusses a sinusoidal wave traveling on a string with a speed of 10.00 cm/s. The displacement of the particles at x = 20 cm is described by y = (5.0 cm) sin[16.0 - (8.0 s-1)t]. The frequency of the wave is represented by s-1 and the wavelength is measured in cm. The general equation for the transverse displacement of the particles can be given as y(x,t) = (5.0 cm) sin[( cm-1)x - ( s-1)t]. To calculate the tension in the string, one must find the period of the wave
  • #1
cahardy86
3
0
A sinusoidal wave is traveling on a string with speed 10.00 cm/s. The displacement of the particles of the string at x = 20 cm is found to vary with time according to the equation y = (5.0 cm) sin[16.0 - (8.0 s-1)t]. The linear density of the string is 7.0 g/cm.
(a) What is the frequency of the wave?
s-1
(b) What is the wavelength of the wave?
cm

(c) Give the general equation giving the transverse displacement of the particles of the string as a function of position and time.
y(x,t) = (5.0 cm) sin[( cm-1)x - ( s-1)t]

(d) Calculate the tension in the string.
 
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  • #2
please show us some work you have done on this problem. We can't help you unless you've shown some efforts from your side.

[i'm surprised there is no template made already for this]
 
  • #3
i am completely lost i don't know where to start..so some direction would be nice.
 
  • #4
i know f=1/T..but how do you find T from this problem?
 
  • #5
T is the period, ie the time of one oscillation. Now look at your equation, it resembles a wave through the sine function and the question then is: by what amount do you have to change the time "t" to make the sine go around one time?
 

FAQ: Completely Lost in this Physics Problem Sinusoidal transverse waves

1. What is a sinusoidal transverse wave?

A sinusoidal transverse wave is a type of mechanical wave that travels through a medium by causing particles in the medium to move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's motion. This type of wave is characterized by its regular, repeating pattern of peaks and troughs, also known as crests and troughs.

2. How do you solve a physics problem involving sinusoidal transverse waves?

To solve a physics problem involving sinusoidal transverse waves, you need to identify the known and unknown variables, apply the appropriate equations, and use the rules of trigonometry to determine the values of the variables. It can also be helpful to draw a diagram of the wave to visualize the problem.

3. What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency in a sinusoidal transverse wave?

The wavelength of a sinusoidal transverse wave is directly proportional to its frequency. This means that as the frequency increases, the wavelength also increases, and vice versa. This relationship is described by the equation: wavelength = speed / frequency.

4. How do you calculate the speed of a sinusoidal transverse wave?

The speed of a sinusoidal transverse wave can be calculated using the equation: speed = wavelength x frequency. This means that the speed of the wave is equal to the distance it travels in a given time period, which is determined by the wavelength and frequency of the wave.

5. What are some real-life examples of sinusoidal transverse waves?

Sinusoidal transverse waves can be observed in many natural phenomena, such as ocean waves, earthquakes, and sound waves. They are also used in various technologies, including radios, televisions, and musical instruments. In addition, some medical imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, use sinusoidal transverse waves to create images of the body's internal structures.

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