Determining Parameters of a Transverse Harmonic Wave

[ashlieketchum]

1. “The profile of a transverse harmonic wave, traveling at 1.2 m s^-1 is given by y(x)=(0.02 m)sin[157 rad m^-1)x]. Determine amplitude, wavelength, frequency, angular frequency, and period.

Homework Equations

y(x,t)=Acos(kx-wt)[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution

I attempted to change it to a cosine function but I’m still left with a position equation as opposed to a displacement equation. I’m not sure what steps to take to get the equation into the form above.

 

[kuruman]

... I’m still left with a position equation as opposed to a displacement equation.

I am not sure what you mean by this. You are given an equation containing numbers. How are these numbers related to the quantities you are looking for? Look at the relevant equation you posted and figure it out. For example, what does the symbol A stand for? And so on and so forth.

 

[patric44]

you don't have to turn this equation to this form y(x,t)=Acos(kx-wt) !

all the answers you already have in this :
V = 1.2 m s^-1
y(x)=(0.02 m)sin[157 rad m^-1)x]

hints :

y(x) = A sin(Kx) ... K = 2π / λ
V = λƒ
ω = 2πƒ

 

[kuruman]

you don't have to turn this equation to this form y(x,t)=Acos(kx-wt) !

Not really. You can answer what is asked from what is given without putting in the time dependence. To say it differently, you are given y(x,0) = Acos(kx-0) so it is in this form but at the specific instant t = 0. All you have to do is figure out which number is k, which is A and how to get the rest of the quantities.