Wave Function for harmonic wave :s

[jesus1987]

Homework Statement

Hi all, I've been given some homework on wave functions to find direction and velocity etc... but as its the first week of uni for me, we haven't even covered wave functions or anything :/ and the homework is due on weds 10th oct...

Homework Equations

y(x,t)=Asin(kx-omega t)

The Attempt at a Solution

Would like to know what the terms are, i know that k is the wave number, but that's about it.

 

[Dale]

y is the value of the wave function at a specific position x and time t. The amplitude of the wave (the maximum value) is A, and omega is the frequency.

 

[m2003]

Hello, it's great that you are already thinking about wave functions and trying to understand them even before they have been covered in class. The wave function you have been given is a harmonic wave, meaning it has a constant frequency and wavelength. The terms in the equation are as follows:
- A is the amplitude of the wave, which represents the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position.
- k is the wave number, as you mentioned, and it is equal to 2π/λ, where λ is the wavelength of the wave.
- x represents the position along the wave, and t represents time.
- ω (omega) is the angular frequency of the wave, and it is equal to 2πf, where f is the frequency of the wave.

To find the direction and velocity of the wave, you can use the equation v = λf, where v is the velocity of the wave, λ is the wavelength, and f is the frequency. I hope this helps with your homework. If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask your professor or classmates for clarification. Good luck!