Does the speed of a wave in a spring depend on the maximum speed of each coil?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on whether the speed of a longitudinal wave in a spring is influenced by the maximum speed of each coil. Participants express confusion over the relationship between coil motion and wave speed, with one asserting that the transverse velocity of coils is independent of wave speed. The clarification provided indicates that the wave speed is determined by the wave's frequency and wavelength, while the maximum speed of the coils is related to the wave's amplitude and frequency. Ultimately, the maximum speed of the coils does not affect the speed of the longitudinal wave. Understanding these relationships is crucial for grasping wave mechanics in springs.
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Hi again. I'm going crazy over this question. Does a longitudinal wave in a spring depend on the maximum speed of each coil? Me, I've always thought that the transverse velocity of the Particle or coil remains constant and independent of the wave speed itself. Am I wrong? Or did I misunderstand the question itself. I really need help. Thank you very much for your time.
 
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insertnamehere said:
Hi again. I'm going crazy over this question. Does a longitudinal wave in a spring depend on the maximum speed of each coil?

If that's the way the question appears in your book then it would make anyone crazy, because it makes no sense!

Does what about a longitudinal wave in a spring depend on the max speed of each coil?
 
Here's the question: In a longitudinal wave in a spring, the coils move back and forth in the direction of wave motion. Does the speed of the wave depend on the maximum speed of each coil?
Maybe I don't understand the question, but I always though that the speed of each coil (which would be transverse due to the motion of particles perpendicular to the propagation of the wave) remains independent and has no effect on the longitudinal waves. But I'm sooo confused! Help!
 
Well, for a longitudinal wave traveling to the right the displacement y(x,t) from its equilibrium position is y(x,t)=y_m\sin(kx-\omega t). The wave speed is v_{wave}=\frac{\omega}{k}, and the maximum speed of a coil is |(\frac{\partial y}{\partial t})_{max}|=|y_m|\omega.

What does that tell you?
 
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