How Do You Calculate the Wavelength of Colliding Waves?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ixerr
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Wavelength
AI Thread Summary
To calculate the wavelength of colliding waves, the problem involves two sinusoidal waves traveling at 7.72 m/s in opposite directions, with a time interval of 0.324 seconds between successive antinode maxima. The distance between antinodes, which equals the wavelength, was initially calculated using the formula vt = x, yielding 2.50128 m, but this was incorrect. The correct approach considers the relative velocity of the waves, leading to a total velocity of 15.44 m/s. Ultimately, the solution was confirmed, indicating that the waves create standing waves due to their interaction. Understanding the phase relationship and boundary conditions is crucial for accurate calculations.
ixerr
Messages
24
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Two sinusoidal waves with equal wavelengths travel along a string in opposite directions at 7.72 m/s. The time between two successive instants when the antinodes are at a maximum height is 0.324 s. What is the wavelength (in m)?


Homework Equations


vt=x
Also,
Propagation speed = wavelength * frequency = wavelength / period time


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried many, many different ways to solve this equation but ultimately I keep getting the wrong answer.. Here is one of the attempts:
The distance between two successive antinodes or two successive nodes is equal to the wavelength of the wave. I figured out the distance based on the speed of the wave and the time between two antinodes with vt = x (since there is no acceleration).
(7.72)(0.324)= 2.50128 m
Yet it is not the right answer? Can anyone give me any more insight on what I can do..?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The question is a bit vague... does it mean both waves are moving at 7.72 m/s in opposite directions? so their relative velocity is 15.44 m/s ? And it seems to suggest standing waves, but it doesn't mention the end points of the string, so really the two waves could have any phase difference.

If I was guessing, I'd say each of the waves is moving at 7.72 m/s so their relative velocity is 15.44 m/s and I'd guess the situation is standing waves caused by the string being fixed at one end. But what do you think? was there more information?
 
Yes! :) I got the answer, the velocity was 15.44 m/s. Thanks!
 
alright, cool
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'
Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
I was thinking using 2 purple mattress samples, and taping them together, I do want other ideas though, the main guidelines are; Must have a volume LESS than 1600 cubic centimeters, and CAN'T exceed 25 cm in ANY direction. Must be LESS than 1 kg. NO parachutes. NO glue or Tape can touch the egg. MUST be able to take egg out in less than 1 minute. Grade A large eggs will be used.
Back
Top