Calculating Wave Speed of a Sinusoidal Wave with a Given Equation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the wave speed of a sinusoidal wave represented by the equation y=(0.30 m)sin(0.20x-40t). The amplitude is confirmed as 0.30 m, while the wave number is identified as 0.20. The relationship between wave speed (c), frequency (f), and wavelength (λ) is established through the formula k = 2πf/c = 2π/λ = ω/c, where ω is the angular frequency. The participants clarify the components of the sinusoidal wave and confirm the understanding of the equation.

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  • Understanding of sinusoidal wave equations
  • Knowledge of wave properties: amplitude, wave number, and angular frequency
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  • Basic trigonometry and calculus concepts
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johnchang
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pls help me on this problem, thanks a lot.


A sinusoidal wave is described by y=(0.30 m)sin(0.20x-40t). Determine the wave speed.
 
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What are the individual parts of the sin wave? 0.30 would be your amplitude, right? Break it down. What is the .20x and -40t?

A sin wave holds the form y = Asin(wt - kx + phase shift) + D, where D is DC offset. w is in rad/sec. K is .20, which is your WAVE number. K = 2*pi*f/c = 2*pi/lambda = w / c. Go from there.

This should probably be moved to the HW forums.
 
Last edited:
Thanks

I got it.
 

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