Simple Harmonic Progressive Wave

In summary, the direction of wave propagation can be determined by sitting on a wave crest and observing the change in the distance term (-kx) and the time term (ωt). If k is positive, the crest is traveling in the positive x direction and if k is negative, the crest is traveling in the negative x direction. Alternatively, sitting on the point of the wave with the greatest downward slope can also determine the direction of wave propagation.
  • #1
SDewan
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Given a Simple Harmonic Progressive Wave with the equation y=A*sin(ωt-kx+φ) where A is amplitude, k is wave number, ω is frequency of wave and φ is the initial phase.
How to determine in what direction is the wave propagating?
 
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  • #2
Consider a wave crest. If you sit on the wave crest then your phase (the value inside the parenthesis above) always remains the same. So as time goes by, the change in the distance term ##-kx## must exactly offset the increase in the time term ##\omega t##.
So the crest must be traveling in the positive x direction, as long as k is positive, and vice versa if k is negative.
A more realistic scenario might be sitting on the point of the wave that has greatest downward slope - half way between crest and trough. That's where a surfer would be!
 
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Related to Simple Harmonic Progressive Wave

1. What is a Simple Harmonic Progressive Wave?

A Simple Harmonic Progressive Wave is a type of wave that occurs when a disturbance or vibration is applied to a medium, causing the particles of the medium to oscillate back and forth in a regular, repeating pattern. This type of wave is characterized by a sinusoidal shape and can travel through various mediums, such as air, water, or solids.

2. How is the motion of particles in a Simple Harmonic Progressive Wave described?

The motion of particles in a Simple Harmonic Progressive Wave is described as a simple harmonic motion, where the particles move back and forth along the direction of wave propagation. This motion is periodic and can be represented by a sine or cosine function.

3. What is the equation for the displacement of a particle in a Simple Harmonic Progressive Wave?

The equation for the displacement of a particle in a Simple Harmonic Progressive Wave is given by y = A sin (ωt ± φ), where y is the displacement of the particle, A is the amplitude of the wave, ω is the angular frequency, t is the time, and φ is the phase constant.

4. What factors affect the speed of a Simple Harmonic Progressive Wave?

The speed of a Simple Harmonic Progressive Wave is affected by the properties of the medium through which it travels, such as density and elasticity. It is also affected by the frequency and wavelength of the wave, as well as any external forces acting on the medium.

5. How is the energy of a Simple Harmonic Progressive Wave related to its amplitude?

The energy of a Simple Harmonic Progressive Wave is directly proportional to the square of its amplitude. This means that as the amplitude increases, the energy of the wave also increases. This relationship is described by the equation E ∝ A2.

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