Extremely quick question (MV calc/waves)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the analysis of a wave function in the context of longitudinal waves and the implications of taking a partial derivative with respect to time. Participants are examining the presence of a negative sign in the derivative and its significance.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the correctness of a negative sign in a derivative related to wave displacement. There is an exploration of whether the sign is appropriate based on the mathematical operations involved.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided affirmations regarding the presence of the negative sign, while others encourage a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts to build confidence in the reasoning process. The discussion reflects a mix of interpretations and attempts to clarify the mathematical details.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that participants are grappling with foundational concepts in wave mechanics and calculus, suggesting a need for clarity in the definitions and operations being discussed.

Zorodius
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My physics book gives this function for the displacement of a wave element oscillating in a longitudinal wave. Later on, they take the partial derivative with respect to time, like so.

My question: Did my brain fall out, or is the negative sign in the second picture not supposed to be there? I'm open to either possibility right now :biggrin:
 
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You are correct. You get one negative from the [itex]kx-\omega t[/itex] and another from the derivative of cosine.
 
Zorodius said:
My question: Did my brain fall out, or is the negative sign in the second picture not supposed to be there? I'm open to either possibility right now :biggrin:

Don't be. Understand your basics well enough that you know when something's right and when it's wrong. Your brain is doing good...just needs to feel more confident, and confidence comes from familiarity. :smile:
 
Thanks for your replies!
 

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