Mechanical Waves: Understanding Force & Motion

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SUMMARY

Mechanical waves can propagate through a medium even when the physical motion of harmonic oscillators is temporarily hindered by obstacles. The force associated with the wave travels through the medium, affecting the atoms and molecules of the oscillators, allowing the wave to resume its motion once the obstacle is passed. This phenomenon demonstrates that mechanical waves can interact with their environment without requiring continuous motion of the oscillators. The discussion confirms that small mechanical waves can pass through obstacles without altering their fundamental characteristics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mechanical waves and their properties
  • Knowledge of harmonic oscillators and their role in wave propagation
  • Familiarity with the concepts of force and energy transfer in mediums
  • Basic principles of wave interference and interaction
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanics of wave propagation in different mediums
  • Explore the role of harmonic oscillators in wave dynamics
  • Study the effects of obstacles on wave behavior and characteristics
  • Investigate the molecular interactions that facilitate wave transmission
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in physics, engineers working with wave mechanics, and anyone interested in the principles of force and motion in mechanical systems.

Craig113
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This is a question about mechanical waves. As i understand it, there can be many different types of mechanical waves, but its is not allways necessary to actually make a physically motion of one harmonic oscillator (a particle, or a part of the medium that the mechanic waves travels throw) to start or hinder a mechanical wave. The force spreads throw the medium even if the physical motion of the harmonic oscillators is somehow hinderd. And the physical motion of the mechanical wave will come back once the obstacle have been passed. Let my me try to further explain what i mean with a picture
!-----! -> this is the wave moving in the direction of the arrow
___! !______0000000000________ the zeros 000 are obstacles


!----- -! -> this is what will happen
___0000000__ __! !______



Am i right? And why does this happen? Is it because the force or power traveling throw the medium treavels between the atoms and molecules of the harmonic oscillators once the actuall motion of the oscillators in not possible?
 
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Come on, answer please. If you don't understand what i mean with the question, don't hesitate to ask me to be more precise! The question is again: Can a mechanical wave travel through some kind of physical abstacle that temporerly stops the physical movment of the wave to resume its motion again after it has passed through that abstacle?

I think the ansewer to that question is yes. It it couldn't it wouldn't be possible for smal mechanical waves to pass eatch other without chaning apperance. I also want to know exacly how this happens. How can power or force travel through the medium when the harmonic oscillators are unable to move? Does it travel through the medium by affecting the atoms and the molecules of the oscillator that then affect eatch other? I am wainting anxiously for your response.
Best regards.
 

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