Can someone explain to me what i did wrong on this quiz? waves

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a quiz question related to wave motion and the units associated with wave properties. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the correct units for velocity squared and how it relates to the grading of their answer.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to clarify why their answer was marked down, specifically questioning the units used for velocity squared. Some participants discuss the appropriate units for different derivatives related to wave motion.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the correct interpretation of units in the context of wave motion. Some guidance has been offered regarding the proper units, but there is no explicit consensus on the original poster's specific misunderstanding.

Contextual Notes

The original poster references a specific grading issue related to their quiz answer, indicating a potential misunderstanding of unit conversions in physics. There is also a casual exchange about the educational background of participants, which may not directly relate to the homework topic.

mr_coffee
Messages
1,613
Reaction score
1
hello everyone. I'm studying for the exam now and I understand if a wave is moving in the negative x direction to the left, the value infront of the x should be positve. But you see where he took off -1/2, because i wrote down m/s? Do you know why? its v^2, i thought that just means take the value of v, square it. should it have been m^2/s^2?

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/5643/lastscan4bc.jpg

Thanks!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
looks like you go to PENN STATE
Physics 211 212 213 214

SORRY I CANT HELP, but i thought your class looked like a penn state class 214, just got me happy! sorry lol
 
Last edited:
Yes, it should have been m^2/s^2. Note that the d^2y/dt^2 is in m/s^2 and the d^2y/dx^2 is in 1/m.

So:
\frac{m}{s^2}=(unit)\frac{1}{m}

\frac{m^2}{s^2}=(unit)

-Dan
 
Ooo thanks topsquark!
and yes I go to Penn state hah! I'm assuming u also went there or go?
I'm a Computer Engineering Major, wee!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
6K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
10K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K