Calculating Wave Speed of a Sinusoidal Wave with a Given Equation

In summary, the conversation was about determining the wave speed of a sinusoidal wave described by y=(0.30 m)sin(0.20x-40t). They also discussed the individual parts of the sin wave, such as the amplitude (0.30), wave number (0.20), phase shift (-40), and DC offset (D). It was suggested to use the equation y = Asin(wt - kx + phase shift) + D, where w is in rad/sec, to break down the problem.
  • #1
johnchang
3
0
pls help me on this problem, thanks a lot.


A sinusoidal wave is described by y=(0.30 m)sin(0.20x-40t). Determine the wave speed.
 
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  • #2
What are the individual parts of the sin wave? 0.30 would be your amplitude, right? Break it down. What is the .20x and -40t?

A sin wave holds the form y = Asin(wt - kx + phase shift) + D, where D is DC offset. w is in rad/sec. K is .20, which is your WAVE number. K = 2*pi*f/c = 2*pi/lambda = w / c. Go from there.

This should probably be moved to the HW forums.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Thanks

I got it.
 

1. What is a sinusoidal wave?

A sinusoidal wave is a type of wave that has a repeating pattern in which the displacement of the wave follows a sine function. This means that the amplitude of the wave varies smoothly and periodically over time, creating a characteristic curved shape.

2. What is the equation for a sinusoidal wave?

The equation for a sinusoidal wave is y = A sin (ωt + φ), where y is the displacement of the wave, A is the amplitude, ω is the angular frequency, t is time, and φ is the phase angle. This equation describes the relationship between the displacement of the wave and time.

3. What is the difference between a sinusoidal wave and a non-sinusoidal wave?

A sinusoidal wave follows a specific mathematical pattern and has a characteristic curved shape, while a non-sinusoidal wave does not follow this pattern and can have various shapes, such as triangular or square. Sinusoidal waves are also considered to be more regular and predictable compared to non-sinusoidal waves.

4. What factors affect the properties of a sinusoidal wave?

The properties of a sinusoidal wave are affected by the amplitude, frequency, and phase of the wave. The amplitude determines the maximum displacement of the wave, the frequency determines how often the wave repeats per unit time, and the phase determines the position of the wave at a specific time.

5. How are sinusoidal waves used in real life?

Sinusoidal waves are used in many real-life applications, such as in sound and light waves, radio and television signals, and even in musical instruments. They are also used in engineering and physics to describe and analyze various phenomena, such as vibrations and oscillations.

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