Mechanical waves - average power transmitted

In summary: Pavg = πρv^2A^2/w^2This is the average power transmitted across any point on the string in one complete cycle. Now, to show that div(P) + dE/dt = 0, we need to use the continuity equation for energy. This states that the rate of change of energy density at any point is equal to the negative of the divergence of the energy flux at that point. In other words:dE/dt = -div(P)Using the wave equation for P, we can write:dE/dt = -div(vE)Since v is a constant, we can take it outside the divergence and write:dE/dt = -v div(E)
  • #1
Str1k3
5
0

Homework Statement


show, using the propagating wave y = Ae^[i(wt - kx)] that the average power transmitted across any point on the string in a complete full cycle is given by P = vE (P and E are both vectors). v is the phase velocity and E the total average energy density per cycle. also show that div(P) + dE/dt = 0 for the wave. Here E is the total energy density and P is the directed instantaneous power transmitted across a point.


Homework Equations


in the question statement


The Attempt at a Solution


i don't even know where to begin! i have run out of internet cap (this is my last little bit of data for the month) and i don't have a textbook - and there are none left in the library. my lecturer's notes are quite useless too, as they don't explain anything i need for this question. if anyone could help me i would really appreciate it, I'm totally lost!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2


Hello,

I understand your frustration with limited resources. I will do my best to explain the concept and provide a solution for your question.

First, let's start with the given wave equation: y = Ae^[i(wt - kx)], where A is the amplitude, w is the angular frequency, t is time, and k is the wave number. This equation represents a propagating wave traveling in the x direction with a velocity of v = w/k.

To find the average power transmitted across any point on the string in a complete full cycle, we need to integrate the instantaneous power P = vE over one cycle. Since the wave is propagating in the x direction, we will integrate from x = 0 to x = 2π/k, which represents one complete cycle. This gives us:

Pavg = ∫(0 to 2π/k) vE dx

Now, let's substitute the wave equation for v and E:

Pavg = ∫(0 to 2π/k) (w/k)E dx

We can also rewrite the wave equation as y = A cos(wt - kx) + iA sin(wt - kx) to separate the real and imaginary parts. Since we are only interested in the real part for energy calculations, we can write E = 1/2ρω^2A^2cos^2(wt - kx), where ρ is the mass density of the string.

Substituting this into the integral, we get:

Pavg = ∫(0 to 2π/k) (w/k) (1/2ρω^2A^2cos^2(wt - kx)) dx

Now, we can use the trigonometric identity cos^2(x) = (1 + cos(2x))/2 to simplify the integral:

Pavg = (w/k)(1/2ρω^2A^2) ∫(0 to 2π/k) (1 + cos(2(wt - kx))) dx

Integrating both terms separately, we get:

Pavg = (w/k)(1/2ρω^2A^2)(2π/k + 0)

Simplifying, we get:

Pavg = πρω^2A^2/k^2

Remember that v = w/k, so we can substitute this into the equation to get
 
  • #3


As a scientist, it is important to have access to reliable resources and information in order to successfully complete tasks and assignments. However, I understand that sometimes circumstances may limit our access to these resources. To begin, let's define some terms in the question statement to establish a better understanding.

A mechanical wave is a type of wave that requires a medium to travel through, such as sound waves or water waves. The equation provided, y = Ae^[i(wt - kx)], represents a propagating wave, where A is the amplitude, w is the angular frequency, t is time, and k is the wave number.

Now, let's take a closer look at the average power transmitted across any point on the string in a complete full cycle. Power is defined as the rate at which energy is transferred, and in this case, it is the rate at which energy is transferred through the string. We can express this as P = dE/dt, where dE is the change in energy over time. Since we are considering a complete full cycle, the time interval t will be equal to the period T, which is the time it takes for one complete cycle.

To calculate the total energy density per cycle, we can use the equation E = 1/2mv^2, where m is the mass of the string and v is the phase velocity. The phase velocity is the speed at which the wave is propagating through the medium. Therefore, the total average energy density per cycle can be expressed as E = 1/2mv^2/T.

Now, let's substitute these values into the equation for power, P = dE/dt. We know that dE/dt = (1/2mv^2/T)/T = 1/2mv^2/T^2. Since T = 2π/w, we can rewrite this as P = 1/2mv^2/(4π^2/w^2) = (1/2)mv^2w^2/(4π^2) = (1/2)m(vw)^2/4π^2.

Next, we need to consider the directed instantaneous power transmitted across a point, which is represented by P in the equation. This can be expressed as P = vE, where v is the phase velocity and E is the total average energy density per cycle. Therefore, we can rewrite the equation as P = (1/2)m(vw)^
 

FAQ: Mechanical waves - average power transmitted

What are mechanical waves?

Mechanical waves are a type of wave that requires a medium, such as air or water, to travel through. These waves transfer energy through the medium without actually moving the medium itself.

What is the average power transmitted by mechanical waves?

The average power transmitted by mechanical waves is the average rate at which energy is transferred through the medium. It is typically measured in units of watts (W).

How is the average power transmitted calculated?

The average power transmitted by mechanical waves can be calculated by multiplying the square of the amplitude of the wave by its frequency and the density of the medium it is traveling through. This is known as the wave's intensity.

What factors affect the average power transmitted by mechanical waves?

The average power transmitted by mechanical waves can be affected by several factors such as the amplitude and frequency of the wave, the density and properties of the medium, and the distance the wave travels through the medium.

What are some real-life applications of mechanical waves and their average power transmitted?

Some common examples of mechanical waves and their average power transmitted include sound waves, seismic waves, and ocean waves. These waves play a crucial role in communication, earthquake detection, and energy production through hydropower.

Back
Top