Determine the direction of movement of a point on wave

In summary, the conversation discusses the direction of motion of points A and B in a longitudinal wave, with the given information that the wave is moving to the right. It is mentioned that the velocity peaks in the forward direction where the density peaks, and in the backwards direction where the density is minimum. The suggestion is made to slow down the wave to better understand its movement. There is also mention of the density of the wave material, but the link provided requires a plugin to open. There is a question about an easier way to explain the movement of point A. One suggestion is that A and B represent compression and rarefaction, with A moving to the left and B to the right. However, this is only a guess. Overall, the
  • #1
songoku
2,352
340

Homework Statement


1-3.jpg


The figure shows a longitudinal wave moving to the right. Indicate the direction of motion of the points A and B


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


How to determine the direction; either to the left or right?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
If not told the direction the wave was traveling the sketch could be three things, a longitudinal wave traveling to the left or traveling to the right, and also a standing longitudinal wave.
 
  • #3
Spinnor said:
If not told the direction the wave was traveling the sketch could be three things, a longitudinal wave traveling to the left or traveling to the right, and also a standing longitudinal wave.

It is given in the question, the wave is moving to the right. However, I still don't know how to determine the direction of movement of the points :-p
 
  • #4
Let the density of your wave material be,

ρ = 1 + Δcos(x - t) where Δ << 1

dρ/dt = - dJ/dx --> J = Δcos(x - t) ?

Where the density peaks the velocity peaks in the forward direction and where the density is minimum the velocity peaks in the backwards direction, see,

http://lifgarbagez.ucdavis.edu/~dmartin/phy7/7C/java/longitudinal.html

Make the wave go to the right and slow it down.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #5
Spinnor said:
Let the density of your wave material be,

ρ = 1 + Δcos(x - t) where Δ << 1

dρ/dt = - dJ/dx --> J = Δcos(x - t) ?

Where the density peaks the velocity peaks in the forward direction and where the density is minimum the velocity peaks in the backwards direction, see,

http://lifgarbagez.ucdavis.edu/~dmartin/phy7/7C/java/longitudinal.html

Make the wave go to the right and slow it down.

Sorry I haven't covered about the density of wave material and I don't have the plugin to open the link given; I'll try to install it later.

Is there any easier way to explain point A moves either to the left or right? Because this is actually lesson for eight grade (second year of middle school)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #6
My best guess is that A and B is compression and it will turn to rarefaction so A will move to the left and B to the right...but that's just pure guess :biggrin:
 

FAQ: Determine the direction of movement of a point on wave

1. What is the direction of movement of a point on a wave?

The direction of movement of a point on a wave is perpendicular to the direction of the wave's propagation. This means that the point on the wave moves up and down while the wave moves forward.

2. How do you determine the direction of movement of a point on a wave?

To determine the direction of movement of a point on a wave, you can observe the direction in which the wave is travelling and then visualize a line perpendicular to that direction. The movement of the point on the wave will be along this perpendicular line.

3. Does the direction of movement of a point on a wave change?

Yes, the direction of movement of a point on a wave can change depending on the type of wave. For example, in a transverse wave, the point on the wave moves perpendicular to the direction of the wave's propagation, whereas in a longitudinal wave, the point on the wave moves parallel to the direction of the wave's propagation.

4. How does the direction of movement of a point on a wave affect its energy?

The direction of movement of a point on a wave does not affect its energy. The energy of a wave is determined by its amplitude, frequency, and wavelength, and is not affected by the direction of movement of a point on the wave.

5. Can the direction of movement of a point on a wave be controlled?

No, the direction of movement of a point on a wave cannot be controlled. It is determined by the nature of the wave and cannot be altered by external factors. However, the amplitude, frequency, and wavelength of a wave can be controlled to some extent.

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