Waves Dispersion? can someone help explain?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of wave dispersion, particularly in the context of a beaded string and the mathematical relationships governing wave motion. Participants are exploring various equations and concepts related to wave frequencies, angular frequency, and the dispersion relation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 raises questions about the transition between equations in the context of wave motion, specifically regarding the resultant motion of a traveling wave and the speed of the envelope.
  • Post 1 also questions the relationship between group velocity (v_g) and phase velocity (v_phi) in a system described by a dispersion relation.
  • Post 1 seeks clarification on how the dependence of wave number (k) on frequency is established in a beaded string system.
  • Post 2 provides a mathematical identity for the sum of cosines, suggesting that the resultant angular frequency can be derived from the given frequencies.
  • Post 3 presents a derivation of phase velocity and group velocity, indicating a potential misprint in the original equations referenced by Post 1.
  • Post 4 questions the clarity of the original inquiry and suggests that the participant may be conflating different scenarios regarding the relationship between w and k.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing levels of understanding regarding the equations and concepts, with some providing clarifications while others remain uncertain about the relationships and derivations involved. No consensus is reached on the interpretations of the equations or the specific questions raised.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of variables and the context of the equations presented. The discussion reflects a mix of interpretations and potential misprints that may affect understanding.

belleamie
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Hi I'm studying for a test, and in the suggested reading book review has a few equations that they talk about but I'm not don't really understand how it jumps from one thing to another? the book is very vauge... I've broken the parts i don't understand into A,B,C (I used w = omega)

A)IT shows a graph, explain that the end of a string is given a transverse displacement phi=cosw1t+cosw2t where the two frequencies are almost equal and w1>w2 the resultant motion is a traveling wave of angular frequency (w1+w2)/2, modulated by n envelope which is a traveling wave of (w1-w2)/2 There the speed of this envelop is (w1-w2)/(k1-k2) ...? I don't understand how they got that?

B) A system with dipersion relation w=ak^r...a and r are constants because v(sub g)=xv(sub phi) at all wave frequencies. i duno where then got the other variables v(sub g)? i know that v(sub phi) =c(1+ak^2)^1/2 but i don't understand how they relate?

C) a beaded string above cut off, the dependence of k on frequency is given by w=w(sub c) cosh1/2ka showing a graph, How does k depend on the frequency? i know a beaded string can exhibit high freq cut off and that the part od the system vibrates in anti phase with each other...and k=(pi/a)-ik where k can be found as a function by replacing k=pi/a in w/w(sub c)= sin (1/2 Ka-i1/2ka) but I'm not sure how?
 
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A) comes from the trig for cosw1t+cosw2t = (cos at)(cos bt) with
a=(w1+w2)/2 and b=(w1-w2)/2.
 
B) v_{phi}=w/k=ak^r/r=ak^{r-1}.
v_g=dw/dk=rak^{r-1}=rv_{phi}.
The x must be a misprint.
 
I'm not sure what you're asking. If you have w as a function of k in your first eq.,
can't you just solve that for k? In this and in (B), you may be confusing two different situations.
 

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