Calculate Velocity of Wave Function of Waves

  • Thread starter Thread starter Philip Wong
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Wavefunction Waves
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity of waves, specifically addressing two problems: the speed of ocean waves with a wavelength of 120m and a frequency of 8 waves per minute, and the velocity of a wave function described by y=0.02sin(30x-400t). The speed of the ocean waves is calculated using the formula v=f*lambda, resulting in a velocity of 15.96 m/s. For the wave function, participants suggest using the equation for wave velocity derived from the phase of the sine function.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave properties, including wavelength and frequency
  • Familiarity with the wave equation y=A*sin(kx-ωt)
  • Knowledge of basic trigonometric functions and their derivatives
  • Ability to manipulate equations involving wave velocity
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to derive wave velocity from the wave function using phase differentiation
  • Study the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and wave speed in various mediums
  • Explore the implications of wave amplitude on wave energy and speed
  • Investigate the effects of medium properties on wave propagation
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, as well as educators and anyone interested in understanding wave functions and their velocities.

Philip Wong
Messages
95
Reaction score
0
hi guys,
two questions for today one real quick one (the velocity of waves), and one I need help on how to calculate velocity for wave function of waves.

Homework Statement



1) a ocean weave with a wavelength of 120m are coming in a a rate of 8 per minutes, what is the speed.

2)The wave function of a wave is described by: y=0.02sin(30x-400t), what is the velocity

Homework Equations


1) lambda = v/f , therefore v= f*lambda. Given f = 8/60 = 0.133

2) I don't know which equation to use, but I'm thinking about v=-wAsin(wt + sigma) ?

The Attempt at a Solution


1) v= 0.133*120= 15.96 m/s

really confused on how to do 2). can someone give me a step by step walk through on how to derive to a solution!

thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The analytic form for a wave moving to the right is:

[tex]y = A\sin(kx-\omega t)[/tex]

So knowing this and the velocity equation you wrote out in Relevant equations (1), you can solve for this wave's velocity.
 
Another way is to differentiate the argument of the sine func.(the phase) with respect to time and equate it to zero.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K