Examining Wave Displacement Along a Spring

In summary, the conversation discusses a question about a wave being sent along a long spring by moving the left end rapidly to the right and keeping it there. The question asks which graph correctly shows the relation between the original position and displacement of each point on the spring. The correct answer is determined to be #3, with the justification that the left end of the spring starts at x=0 and ends at a positive value, and the right end has a displacement of 1. The conversation also includes a comment about the age of the original post.
  • #1
trivk96
47
0

Homework Statement



A wave is sent along a long spring by moving the left end rapidly to the right and keeping it there. The figure shows the wave pulse at QR - part RS of the long spring is as yet undisturbed.Which of the graphs correctly shows the relation between the original position x of each point of the spring and the corresponding displacement ∆x of that point (Displacements to the right are positive.)



Homework Equations


-

The Attempt at a Solution



I think that it is #3 because the displacement at the beginning is 0 correct? Also, the wave part is moving right which means it was displaceed at a positive. Also the end has not been disturbed yet so its diplacement is 0. Is all this correct. if it isn't, could you help me understand it?

If the above was confusing to understand i apologize.


Thanks in advance for the help!
 

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  • #2


trivk96 said:

Homework Statement



A wave is sent along a long spring by moving the left end rapidly to the right and keeping it there. The figure shows the wave pulse at QR - part RS of the long spring is as yet undisturbed.Which of the graphs correctly shows the relation between the original position x of each point of the spring and the corresponding displacement ∆x of that point (Displacements to the right are positive.)

The Attempt at a Solution



I think that it is #3 because the displacement at the beginning is 0 correct? Also, the wave part is moving right which means it was displaced at a positive. Also the end has not been disturbed yet so its displacement is 0. Is all this correct. if it isn't, could you help me understand it?

If the above was confusing to understand i apologize.

Thanks in advance for the help!
attachment.php?attachmentid=42674&d=1326502270.jpg


#3 cannot be the correct answer. The left end of the spring starts out at x=0 and ends up at x=a, where a is some positive value.

What is Δx at the right end ?
 
  • #3


So it would be 1 right??
 
  • #4


trivk96 said:
So it would be 1 right??

That looks to me like the best choice.

Can you defend that choice?
 
  • #5


1 is the correct answer
 
  • #6


A0170514 said:
1 is the correct answer
Do you realize that you've answered a 10 month old post ?
 
  • #7


yeah.. taking physics for the first time in college
 

FAQ: Examining Wave Displacement Along a Spring

What is wave displacement?

Wave displacement refers to the distance a wave has moved from its original position. In other words, it is the measure of how far the particles in a medium have moved from their equilibrium position as a result of a wave passing through it.

How is wave displacement measured?

Wave displacement can be measured using various methods, depending on the type of wave being examined. For example, in a longitudinal wave, displacement can be measured by observing the compression and rarefaction of the medium particles. In a transverse wave, displacement can be measured by observing the maximum displacement of the particles from their equilibrium position.

What factors affect wave displacement along a spring?

The factors that affect wave displacement along a spring include the amplitude of the wave, the frequency of the wave, the tension of the spring, and the type of wave being studied. These factors can influence the distance the spring will stretch or compress as a result of the wave.

Why is it important to examine wave displacement along a spring?

Studying wave displacement along a spring allows us to understand how waves behave and how they interact with different mediums. This knowledge is crucial in various fields such as acoustics, seismology, and engineering, where waves play a significant role.

What are some real-world applications of examining wave displacement along a spring?

Some real-world applications of examining wave displacement along a spring include earthquake detection and analysis, sound transmission and reception in musical instruments, and the design of suspension systems in vehicles. Understanding wave displacement also helps in the development of technologies such as ultrasound imaging and sonar systems.

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