Calculating Characteristics of a Sinusoidal Wave Propagating on a String

In summary, a sinusoidal wave is propagating along a string in the +x direction with a frequency of 10 waves per 10 microseconds. The wave has a propagation speed of 30 m/s and an oscillation speed of 2.5 mm/s in the Y direction. At t=0 and x=0, the wave has a transverse displacement of 1.5mm. Using the equation y(x,t) = A sin (kx-wt - phi), the amplitude of oscillation, phase shift, wavelength, and complete equation for the wave can be determined. However, the phase shift is not provided in the given information. This question is for a college physics with thermodynamics course.
  • #1
potatonet
3
0
probably easy question

a sinusoidal wave is propagating along a string in the +x direction. 10 waves pass by a point every 10 microseconds. the wave exhibits the following characteristics:

a) at t=0 and x=0 , the wave propagation speed is 30 m/s, and the Oscillation speed is 2.5 mm/s in the Y direction.

b) at t=0 and x=0 the wave has a transverse displacement of 1.5mm

using y(x,t) = A sin (kx-wt - phi)

determine:
amplitude of oscillation (couldnt do)
phase shift (dont know if there is one)
wavelength
and the complete equation for the wave

any help would be great, its really easy, I am just drawing a blank for some reason. (spring break)
 
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  • #2
never mind got it, didnt find phase shift tho, I looked at the problem a little more in depth
 
  • #3
yeah too bad that this is actually a college question for physics with thermodynamics.
 

FAQ: Calculating Characteristics of a Sinusoidal Wave Propagating on a String

What is a sinusoidal wave?

A sinusoidal wave is a type of wave that has a repeating pattern resembling a sine function. It is characterized by its amplitude, wavelength, and frequency.

How does a sinusoidal wave propagate?

A sinusoidal wave propagates by transferring energy through a medium, such as air or water. The particles in the medium oscillate back and forth in the direction of the wave's motion, creating a disturbance that travels through the medium.

What factors affect the propagation of a sinusoidal wave?

The propagation of a sinusoidal wave can be affected by the properties of the medium, such as density and elasticity, as well as the amplitude and frequency of the wave. Additionally, obstacles or changes in the medium can cause the wave to reflect, refract, or diffract.

What are the practical applications of sinusoidal waves?

Sinusoidal waves have many practical applications, such as in communication systems (e.g. radio waves), sound and music production, and medical imaging (e.g. ultrasound waves). They are also used in engineering fields for testing and analysis of structures.

How do sinusoidal waves relate to other types of waves?

Sinusoidal waves are a type of mechanical wave, meaning they require a medium to propagate. They are also a type of transverse wave, where the particles of the medium move perpendicular to the direction of the wave's motion. Other types of waves include longitudinal waves (e.g. sound waves) and electromagnetic waves (e.g. light waves).

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