Why Is Phase Velocity Defined as v=w/k?

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SUMMARY

The phase velocity of a wave is defined as v = ω/k, where ω represents the angular frequency and k denotes the wave number. This relationship is derived from the harmonic wave equation f(x,t) = a sin(kx - ωt). By rewriting the equation in the form f(x,t) = a sin(k(x - (ω/k)t)), it becomes evident that the signal propagates in the positive x-direction at the velocity of ω/k, confirming the definition of phase velocity.

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  • Understanding of harmonic wave equations
  • Familiarity with angular frequency (ω) and wave number (k)
  • Basic knowledge of trigonometric functions
  • Concept of signal propagation in physics
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  • Study the derivation of wave equations in physics
  • Explore the relationship between phase velocity and group velocity
  • Learn about the implications of wave propagation in different media
  • Investigate applications of phase velocity in telecommunications
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why is phase velocity v=w/k ?
 
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Let us look at a typical harmonic wave, [tex]f(x,t)=a\sin(kx-\omega{t})[/tex]
Here, a,k,[tex]\omega[/tex] are constants, where a is the amplitude, k the wave number and [tex]\omega[/tex] the frequency.

Rewrite this in the following form:
[tex]f(x,t)=a\sin(k(x-\frac{\omega}{k}t))[/tex]
Do you see that if [tex]x-\frac{\omega}{k}t=s[/tex] where s is a CONSTANT, makes the value of f constant as well (equal to [tex]a\sin(ks)[/tex])?
But that means, that the signal value [tex]a\sin(ks)[/tex] can be regarded as MOVING ALONG THE POSITIVE X-DIRECTION WITH VELOCITY [tex]\frac{\omega}{k}[/tex]!
For, (remembering that s is constant) we have the trajectory for our signal:
[tex]x=s+\frac{\omega}{k}t[/tex]
and this simply shows what the propagation velocity of our signal is..
 
Last edited:
@@a
"But that means, that the signal value can be regarded as MOVING ALONG THE POSITIVE X-DIRECTION WITH VELOCITYw/k !"
can you explain that a little clearer?
 

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