Could given function represent a travelling wave?

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To determine if the given functions can represent a traveling wave, they must remain finite for all x and t. Functions (b) and (c) are infinite at x=t=0, disqualifying them as traveling waves. The discussion emphasizes the importance of checking if the functions satisfy the wave equation, d²(f)/(dx²) = v⁻²*d²(f)/(dt²). However, the participant has not yet learned the wave equation and seeks simpler explanations. The focus remains on verifying the conditions for a function to represent a traveling wave.
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Homework Statement



Verify if given functions could possibly represent a traveling wave?

Homework Equations



a) (x-(v*t))^{2}

b) ln({(x+(v*t))/x_{0}})

c) 1/(x+(v*t))

The Attempt at a Solution



I suppose that for a function to represent a traveling wave, it must remain finite for all x & t. Hence, since (b) & (c) are infinity at x=t=0, they cannot represent a traveling wave.

Would I be correct to pursue this line of argument? If yes, then how should I proceed with (a)?Would appreciate assistance.
wirefree
 
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Check if the given functions satisfy the wave equation: d^2(f)/(dx^2) = v^-2*d^2(f)/(dt^2)
 
Would I be correct to pursue my line of argument that for a function to represent a traveling wave, it must remain finite for all x & t?

If yes, then how should I proceed with (a) in the initial post?

Would appreciate an answer to my initial question.



wirefree
 
fortissimo said:
Check if the given functions satisfy the wave equation: d^2(f)/(dx^2) = v^-2*d^2(f)/(dt^2)


I am afraid we've not been taught the wave equation yet. The chapter I have finished covers topics incl. displacement relation in a progressive wave, speed of traveling wave, principle of superposition, and a couple of more.

I would greatly appreciate if you could address my query using simpler concepts, such as the one I have mentioned in my earlier post.



wirefree
 
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