How can I standardize a given harmonic wave function?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on standardizing the harmonic wave function represented by y = (15cm) cos[(pi/5cm)x - (pi/12s)t]. The amplitude is confirmed as 15cm, while the wavelength is recalculated to 10cm and the period (T) to 24s. The speed of the wave is determined to be 10/24 cm/s, with the direction specified as positive x. The transformation to the standard wave function format is achieved by adjusting the coefficients of pi.

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triplezero24
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Ok here's the deal. The problem gives me this wave function:

y= (15cm) cos[(pi/5cm)x - (pi/12s)t]

I undserstand that 15cm represents the amplitude, 5cm represents the wavelength, and 12s represents the T. What I don't get is that the standard wave function is in this form:

y(x,t)= A cos[(2pi/lambda)x - (2pi/T)t]

I thought I was good at algebra, but I can't seem to figure out how to the the pi's in the given equation to be at a factor of 2 with the rest of it being the same. The problem asks me to find: amplitude (which I got 15cm), the wavelength (I got 2.25cm), the T (I got 6s), and speed and direction. Please help if you can!

Thanks,
Eric
 
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y= (15cm) cos[(pi/5cm)x - (pi/12s)t]

can be written as

y= (15cm) cos[(2*pi/10cm)x - (2*pi/24s)t]

So, the wavelength is 10 cm and T is 24s.

Speed is 10/24 cm/s and direction is positive x.
 
Or use Partial derivatives for speed.

[tex]\frac{\partial y}{\partial t} = v[/tex]

Or

[tex]v = f \lambda = \frac{\omega}{k}[/tex]
 
Last edited:

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