Forces on a String with a Transverse Wave

In summary: Also, you might want to look into the equation for velocity of a wave on a string and see if you can use that to get a better idea of what's going on.In summary, the conversation discusses the transverse displacement of a harmonic wave on a stretched rope, with a given equation for the displacement. The question asks for the total force exerted on a specific section of the rope, and the equations for wave velocity and net force are mentioned as possible approaches to solving the problem.
  • #1
Thefox14
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Homework Statement



The transverse displacement of a harmonic wave on a stretched rope is y = 0.06 cos(2.1 t - 3.8 x), where x and y are in meters and t is in seconds. A 5 meter length of this rope has a mass of 1.5 kg.

[PLAIN]https://wug-s.physics.uiuc.edu/cgi/courses/shell/common/showme.pl?cc/DuPage/phys2111/fall/homework/Ch-16-17-Waves/ec-tran-wave-forces/rope.GIF

At time t = 0, consider a 1/2 wavelength long section of the rope which is carrying the wave between two points which have zero displacement (y = 0). What is the total force exerted by the rest of the rope on this section? (You may neglect any effects due to the weight of the rope.)

Homework Equations



[tex]v = \sqrt{\frac{Ften}{\mu}}[/tex]
[tex]\sum F_{net} = ma[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not sure how to approach this problem. So far what I have realized is that the X component of the force from the left half gets canceled out by the right half. So I really just need to find the Y component right? Though I'm not sure how to go about doing that.

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
Thefox14 said:
The transverse displacement of a harmonic wave on a stretched rope is y = 0.06 cos(2.1 t - 3.8 x)

It seems like this equation would be a good place to start. If it's giving you the vertical displacement at any point 'x' at a given time then what would be the acceleration of that point?
 

1. What is a transverse wave?

A transverse wave is a type of mechanical wave in which the particles of the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave's propagation.

2. How do forces affect a string with a transverse wave?

Forces can change the shape and behavior of a string with a transverse wave. For example, tension forces can increase or decrease the frequency and amplitude of the wave, while damping forces can decrease the amplitude and energy of the wave.

3. What factors determine the speed of a transverse wave on a string?

The speed of a transverse wave on a string is determined by the tension in the string, the mass per unit length of the string, and the length of the string. The relationship between these factors is described by the wave equation v = √(T/μ), where v is the wave speed, T is the tension, and μ is the mass per unit length.

4. How is energy transferred in a string with a transverse wave?

Energy is transferred in a string with a transverse wave through the vibration of the particles in the string. As the wave travels along the string, the particles move back and forth, transferring energy from one particle to the next.

5. Can a string with a transverse wave experience interference?

Yes, a string with a transverse wave can experience interference when two or more waves are present in the same medium at the same time. Constructive interference occurs when the waves combine to create a larger amplitude, while destructive interference occurs when the waves cancel each other out.

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