Calculating Wave Function for Standing Wave on String

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the wave function for a standing wave on a string with fixed ends. The parameters provided include an amplitude of 2.46 mm, a period of 3.65 ms, and a wave speed of 111 m/s. The resulting wave function is expressed as y(x,t)=(A_sw)(sinkx)(sinwt), with A_sw calculated as 4.92 x 10^-3 m, k as 15.5/m, and angular frequency w as 1720 rad/s. The user encounters issues with the phase component, indicating that without specific wave functions, the phase cannot be determined.

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Students and educators in physics, particularly those studying wave mechanics, as well as anyone interested in understanding the mathematical representation of standing waves on strings.

Scarborm
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Hey!
Here is one that I thought would be easy:

Two traveling waves move on a string that has a fixed end at x=0. They are identical except for opposite velocities. Each has an amplitude of 2.46mm, a period of 3.65ms, and a speed of 111m/s. Write the wave function of the resulting standing wave.

The wave would be represented by the function, y(x,t)=(A_sw)(sinkx)(sinwt)

My answers were: A_sw=2A=4.92x10^-3m
k=w/v=1720/111=15.5/m
w=2*pi/T=2*pi/(3.65x10^-3)=1720rad/s

This is not right though... any ideas? I am least sure about k.
 
Last edited:
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What makes you think it isn't right?

If you're not given the actual wave functions,
you can't find the phase in sin(wt+phi)
(so you should leave it as arbitrary).
 

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