Calculating Amplitude of Standing Wave at a Given Point

In summary, the problem involves finding the amplitude at a specific point in a standing wave with a given distance between adjacent nodes, amplitude, and period. The equation for a traveling wave was initially used, but the correct approach is to add together two waves of the same frequency and amplitude going in opposite directions, and apply a trigonometric identity to determine the amplitude at the desired point.
  • #1
jono90one
28
0

Homework Statement



Adjacent anti-nodes of a standing wave are 7m apart. The amplitude is 0.5m and period 0.05 seconds. Assuming the string is clamped at the position x=0m, y=0m on the left hand side.
Find the amplitude at the point 0.29 m from the right of an antinode

Homework Equations



y=ASin(ωt-kx) ? (Moving to the right, as clamped on the left?)

The Attempt at a Solution


Well at first i did
x position = λ/4 + 0.29 = (adjacent nodes are 7m apart, so λ=14) 14/4 + 0.29= 3.79m

v = λ/T = 14/0.05 = 280 m/s

hence t=d/v = 3.79/280 = 0.0135 seconds

y = ASin[(2pi/T)t-(2pi/λ)x] = 0.5sin(0)

Which I know must be wrong becuase it will be zero at a node, an that is not a node (3.5m is a node).

Im unsure what is wrong with my method though :S

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
First of all the equation you've used here is for a traveling wave (as you say, it's a wave moving in the positive x direction) so it's not going to be very helpful for dealing with a standing wave.

Try adding together two waves of the same frequency and amplitude but going in opposite directions, and apply a trigonometric identity to that sum.
 

What are standing waves?

Standing waves are a type of wave that occurs when two waves of the same frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions and interfere with each other. This causes points along the medium to appear stationary, while other points continue to oscillate.

What causes confusion with standing waves?

Confusion with standing waves can be caused by their unique properties, such as the presence of nodes and antinodes, as well as the fact that they do not appear to move through a medium like other types of waves.

How do you calculate the wavelength of a standing wave?

The wavelength of a standing wave can be calculated by dividing the distance between two successive nodes by the number of nodes, or by multiplying the distance between two successive antinodes by two.

What is the difference between standing waves and traveling waves?

The main difference between standing waves and traveling waves is that standing waves do not transfer energy through a medium, while traveling waves do. Additionally, standing waves have fixed points of no displacement (nodes), while traveling waves do not.

What are some real-life examples of standing waves?

Some real-life examples of standing waves include vibrations in a guitar string, sound waves in a pipe organ, and electromagnetic waves in a microwave oven. These examples demonstrate the presence of nodes and antinodes in standing waves.

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