Calculating Vertical Velocity of Propagating Waves in a String

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the vertical velocity of a string at a specific point in time and space, given two equations for propagating waves on the string. The equations and known variables are provided, and the homework equations and attempt at a solution involve defining a function, finding missing variables, and differentiating with respect to time. The correctness of the approach is confirmed.
  • #1
susdu
24
0

Homework Statement



Two waves are propagating in a long uniform string of linear mass density μ and tension Fτ.
Their equations are:

y1=A1cos(k1x-w1t)
y2=A2cos(k2x-w2t)

Known: λ1 (wavelength of y1), λ2, A1, A2

what is the vertical velocity of the string at x=2m and t=5s?

Homework Equations



v=sqrt(Fτ/μ)=w/k
k=2π/λ
standard wave equation and solutions

The Attempt at a Solution



just to check I'm on track. what I did was defining:
g(x,t)=y1+y2 and finding all the missing varibles (w,k) using formulas.
I then differentiated g with respect to t and plugged x=2,t=5 in the derivative

is this correct?
 
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  • #2
susdu said:

Homework Statement



Two waves are propagating in a long uniform string of linear mass density μ and tension Fτ.
Their equations are:

y1=A1cos(k1x-w1t)
y2=A2cos(k2x-w2t)

Known: λ1 (wavelength of y1), λ2, A1, A2

what is the vertical velocity of the string at x=2m and t=5s?

Homework Equations



v=sqrt(Fτ/μ)=w/k
k=2π/λ
standard wave equation and solutions

The Attempt at a Solution



just to check I'm on track. what I did was defining:
g(x,t)=y1+y2 and finding all the missing varibles (w,k) using formulas.
I then differentiated g with respect to t and plugged x=2,t=5 in the derivative

is this correct?

That would be the correct procedure, yes.
 
  • #3
thanks!
 

1. What is a propagating wave in a string?

A propagating wave in a string is a type of mechanical wave that travels through a string or medium by causing the particles of the string to oscillate back and forth in a transverse motion.

2. How are propagating waves in a string created?

Propagating waves in a string are created by an initial disturbance or vibration to one end of the string. This disturbance causes a series of compressions and rarefactions to travel along the string, resulting in the propagation of the wave.

3. What factors affect the speed of propagating waves in a string?

The speed of propagating waves in a string is affected by the tension of the string, the mass per unit length of the string, and the properties of the medium through which the string is passing.

4. What types of waves can propagate in a string?

There are two types of waves that can propagate in a string: transverse waves and longitudinal waves. Transverse waves cause the particles of the string to vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave, while longitudinal waves cause the particles to vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave.

5. How are propagating waves in a string used in real-world applications?

Propagating waves in a string are used in a variety of real-world applications, such as musical instruments, fiber optics, and seismic exploration. They are also important in understanding the behavior of other types of waves, such as electromagnetic waves.

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