Why does my wave equation appear to move backwards?

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In summary, the conversation discusses a wave equation that appears to be moving backwards with a greater t producing a lesser x, despite having a positive constant velocity. It is suggested that this could be a reflected wave and the speaker mentions that waves can move in either a forwards or backwards direction in one dimension. The question of how it can be a reflected wave without anything to reflect it is brought up, and the speaker realizes their mistake in not fully understanding how the phase component works. It is ultimately concluded that the wave is actually a forward traveling wave.
  • #1
pivoxa15
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I have a wave eqn that is of the standard form (y=sin(kx-wt)) and have a positive constant velocity. But when I graph it, it appears to be moving backwards with a greater t producing a lesser x for each specific y. How can this be?

The eqn is y=10sin(18.35x-6283t)
 
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  • #2
It could be a reflected wave.

The wave direction is either + or - with respect to the coordinate system. In one dimension, waves can move in one of two directions - forwards or backwards.
 
  • #3
How can it be a reflected wave when there is nothing to reflect it with? The time I subed in was tiny and it still showed a backward moving wave. So the wave is going backwards immediately after t=0.
 
  • #4
I know where I made my mistake. I didn't fully understand how the phase component worked. The wave turns our to be a forward traveling wave after all.
 

FAQ: Why does my wave equation appear to move backwards?

Why do some waves travel backward?

Some waves travel backward because of a phenomenon called wave reflection. When a wave encounters a boundary or obstacle, it can reflect off of it and travel in the opposite direction.

How does a backward travelling wave differ from a forward travelling wave?

A backward travelling wave differs from a forward travelling wave in the direction of its movement. A forward travelling wave moves in the direction of its propagation, while a backward travelling wave moves in the opposite direction.

What are some examples of backward travelling waves?

Some examples of backward travelling waves include reflected waves in a string, sound waves in a closed room, and electromagnetic waves in a metal surface.

Is it possible for a backward travelling wave to reverse its direction of travel?

Yes, it is possible for a backward travelling wave to reverse its direction of travel. This can occur if the wave encounters a boundary or obstacle that causes it to reflect and travel in the opposite direction.

Why is the concept of backward travelling waves important in physics?

The concept of backward travelling waves is important in physics because it helps us understand the behavior of waves when they encounter boundaries or obstacles. It also has practical applications in fields such as acoustics, optics, and electronics.

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