Calculating Amplitude of a Wave at x = 6 cm | Dynamics Explained

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SUMMARY

The amplitude of a wave at a specific point, such as x = 6 cm, is not necessarily zero even if a node is present at that location at a given moment. The discussion clarifies that amplitude refers to the maximum displacement from the equilibrium position, while instantaneous displacement can vary over time. Understanding this distinction is crucial for accurately calculating wave properties in dynamics.

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For the wave shown in this drawing, what is the amplitude at x = 6 cm?
[Hint: Remember that the wave will be moving. So even though there presently is an node at x = 6 cm, this will change at a later time.]


I put 0 cm as the answer but I got it wrong and I don't understand why it's not zero. Could someone please help me?
 

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I think you need to understand the difference between the amplitude and the instantaneous displacement of the particle.
 

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