Elementary travelling wave problem

In summary, the conversation discusses the derivation of a traveling wave equation for a sinusoidal wave on a string, with given information such as frequency, velocity, displacement, and velocity of a certain point at a specific time. The second part involves finding the minimum distance between a point with a given acceleration and the point x=0. The solution is obtained by differentiating the velocity function and solving for the distance using the given acceleration value and time.
  • #1
patrickmoloney
94
4

Homework Statement



A sinusoidal wave of frequency 50 Hz travels along a string at velocity of 28 m/s. At a given instant the displacement and velocity of a certain point in the string are 24 mm and 1.2 m/s respectively. Taking the certain point and given instant to be x=0, t=0, derive the traveling wave equation which gives the displacement of any point on the string as a function of position x, and time t.

A point in the string has an acceleration of 1800 m/s², at a time 3.0 ms before the instant specified above. What is the minimum distance possible between this and the point x=0

Homework Equations



λ=v/f , k=2π/λ , y(x,t)= Asin(kx-ωt+[itex]\varphi[/itex])

I assume ∂²x/∂t²= -Aω²Sin(kx-ωt+[itex]\varphi[/itex])

The Attempt at a Solution



I would really appreciate the second part explained to me.

I got the first part:

y= Asin(kx-ωt+[itex]\varphi[/itex])

λ= v/f = 28/50 = 0.56 m and k= 2π/λ = 2π/0.56 = 11.2 rad/m and ω= 2πf = 100π

the velocity of the displaced point is obtained using a differential equation:

dy/dt = -Aωcos(kx-ωt+[itex]\varphi[/itex])

y= 0.024 = Asin([itex]\varphi[/itex]) at x=0, t=0

dy/dy= 1.2= -Acos([itex]\varphi[/itex])

solving the simultaneous equations we have [itex]\varphi[/itex] = -1.41 rad and A = -0.024 m

∴Equation of traveling wave is y= -0.024sin(11.2x-314t-1.41).

no idea about the next part. Can someone do it for me?
 
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  • #2
The second part is done much like the first one. Differentiate the velocity function; that will give the acceleration, whose value you are given. You are further given the time, so the only unknown is the distance. Find it from the acceleration equation.
 

FAQ: Elementary travelling wave problem

What is the "Elementary Travelling Wave Problem"?

The Elementary Travelling Wave Problem is a mathematical model that describes the propagation of a wave through a medium. It is commonly used in physics and engineering to study the behavior of waves, such as sound waves, light waves, and water waves.

What are the key components of the Elementary Travelling Wave Problem?

The key components of the Elementary Travelling Wave Problem include the wave equation, which describes how the wave evolves over time, and the boundary conditions, which specify the behavior of the wave at the boundaries of the medium.

What is the difference between a travelling wave and a standing wave?

A travelling wave is a wave that moves through a medium, carrying energy from one point to another. A standing wave, on the other hand, is a wave that appears to be stationary, with points of maximum and minimum displacement that do not move. Standing waves are formed by the interference of two travelling waves.

How is the Elementary Travelling Wave Problem used in real-world applications?

The Elementary Travelling Wave Problem has many practical applications, such as in the design of musical instruments, the transmission of signals in communication systems, and the analysis of seismic waves in earthquake detection. It is also used in various fields of engineering, such as acoustics, optics, and fluid dynamics.

What are some limitations of the Elementary Travelling Wave Problem?

While the Elementary Travelling Wave Problem is a useful mathematical model, it does have some limitations. It assumes a linear, homogeneous, and isotropic medium, which may not always accurately represent real-world situations. Additionally, it does not take into account factors such as damping, dispersion, and nonlinearity, which can affect the behavior of waves in some scenarios.

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