Why do the pulses move like that?

In summary, the conversation discusses a wave equation problem with a given solution using d'Alembert's formula. It is noted that the solution has the form of two pulses moving in opposite directions. It is mentioned that for large enough times, the wave will pass through any given point. There is some discrepancy in the solution, but it does not affect the overall understanding of the problem.
  • #1
Goklayeh
17
0
Hello everybody! I have a really silly question concerning wave equation: consider the problem
[tex]
\left\{
\begin{matrix}
u_{tt} &=& u_{xx} & x \in \mathbb{R}\\
u(x,0) &=& 0 & \\
u_t(x,0) &=& x(1-x)\chi_{\left[0,1\right]}(x)&
\end{matrix}
\right.
[/tex]
the solution is given by d'Alembert's formula
[tex]
u(x,t) = \int_{x-t}^{x+t}{y(1-y)\chi_{\left[0,1\right]}(y) \mathrm{d}y} =
\int_{\mathbb{R}}{y(1-y)\chi_{\left[0,1\right]\cap \left[x-t,x+t\right]}(y) \mathrm{d}y}
[/tex]
Now, it's clear that [tex]\forall x_0 \in \mathbb{R}\:\: \exists t_0[/tex] s.t. [tex]u(x_0,t) \ne 0\:\: \forall t > t_0[/tex]. For instance, fix [tex]x_0 = -1[/tex]. Then, for all [tex]t \ge 2[/tex], we have [tex]u(-1,t) = \int_0^1{(y - y^2)\mathrm{d}y} = \frac{1}{6}\ne 0[/tex]. But, physically, this means that the wave passes through [tex]x_0[/tex] definitively, i.e. for all enough big times. How is this possible? Or, where I'm wrong?
Thank you for your attention
 
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  • #2
I think you are missing a factor of 1/2 in your solution, but never mind that. Your solution has the form

u(x,t) = f(x+t)χ(x+t) - f(x-t)χ(x-t)

This describes one pulse moving to the left and the other moving to the right as t increases. If for example you look at x = 10 along the string and t > 0, χ(10+t) will always be 0 and χ(10-t) will only be 1 when t is between 9 and 10. During that 1 second time you will have the string displaced by f(10-t)*1 as the pulse moves by to the right.

Similarly at x = -9, χ(-9+t) will be 1 when t is between 9 and 10 and you have the pulse going the other direction.
 

FAQ: Why do the pulses move like that?

What is the wave equation on the line?

The wave equation on the line is a mathematical equation that describes the propagation of a wave along a one-dimensional line, such as a string or a wire.

What are the variables in the wave equation on the line?

The wave equation on the line has two variables: time (t) and position (x). It also includes parameters such as the wave speed (c) and the amplitude of the wave (A).

How is the wave equation on the line derived?

The wave equation on the line is derived from the principle of conservation of energy and the relationship between the wave speed, frequency, and wavelength of a wave. It can also be derived from the more general wave equation in higher dimensions.

What are some applications of the wave equation on the line?

The wave equation on the line has many applications in physics and engineering, such as modeling the behavior of sound waves, electromagnetic waves, and mechanical waves. It is also used in fields such as acoustics, optics, and signal processing.

What are the boundary conditions for the wave equation on the line?

The boundary conditions for the wave equation on the line depend on the specific problem being solved. In general, the boundary conditions specify the behavior of the wave at the endpoints of the line, such as whether the wave is fixed or free to move. These conditions are important in determining the properties of the wave and its interactions with its environment.

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