Wave Changing Air Pressure (should be easy, help please)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a sound wave pressure variation equation, specifically p(x,t) = 0.70 cos(π/2 (x - 330t)). The pressure amplitude is identified as 0.70 Pa. Participants express confusion about calculating the wavelength, frequency, and speed, with one user attempting to derive frequency using the angular frequency formula without success. Clarifications are provided regarding the relationship between frequency, wave number, and the wave's speed, emphasizing the importance of understanding the wave's periodic nature. The conversation highlights the complexities of wave mechanics and the need for careful application of formulas.
Seiya
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. [Tipler5 15.P.049.] A sound wave in air produces a pressure variation given by the following formula, where p is in pascals, x is in meters, and t is in seconds.

p(x,t) = 0.70 cos /2 (x - 330t)

(a) Find the pressure amplitude of the sound wave.
correct check mark Pa
(b) Find the wavelength.
wrong check mark m
(c) Find the frequency.
wrong check mark Hz
(d) Find the speed.
m/s

The only part i got is (a) which is obvious 0.70...

i can't get the other ones and i only have 1 more go at them. I tried frequency = w=2(pi)f so w/2(pi) = f... but that didnt work... also 330 by itself didnt work? i tought the frequency in a wave was determined by the number before t? =\ I am really confused and i read over the book 3 times already and i can't figure it out? (theres only half a page on pressure and waves)

Any help appreciated... thanks a lot!
 
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you should edit your post so others know that it is "cos pi/2 ...".

As in oscillations, the frequency is the reciprocal of the repeat time.
cosine repeats each 2 pi ... if t = 0 at x=0, cos = 1
if t = 1/330 [sec], at x=0 you have cos (0+ pi/2) = 0 .
if t = 2/330 [sec], at x=0 you have cos (0+ pi) = -1 .
If t = 4/330 [sec], at x=0 you have cos (0+ 2 pi) = 1 .
. . . the repeat time is 4/330 .
We do this "properly" by remembering the solution "cos (omega t)"
which means that omega is (pi/2)330 .

In a similar way, the wave number "k" is in solution "cos (kx)"
Don't forget to distribute the pi/2 (that is, multiply thru by it).

Speed is a different matter. There we only need the argument of the function,
writing it so it looks like (x - vt)/lamda ... or as ... k (x - vt) .

enough?
 
thanks a bunch. =)
 
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