Displacement of a point on a progressive wave

Thread starter jack edison
Start date May 30, 2015
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Displacement Point Wave

AI Thread Summary

The discussion centers on the displacement of a point on a progressive wave, specifically addressing confusion about the sign of the displacement. The wave function is given as Ψ(x,k) = A sin(ωt - kx), indicating the wave travels to the right. The participant initially stated that the displacement Y would be negative before returning to equilibrium but questioned why it is positive instead. The conversation emphasizes understanding the direction of wave propagation and its effect on displacement. Clarifying the relationship between wave direction and displacement is crucial for grasping wave behavior.

May 30, 2015

jack edison

Homework Statement

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I wrote that Y will have a negative displacement, before returning to equilibrium. Why is Y's displacement positive instead?

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May 30, 2015

theodoros.mihos

This wave traveling to "+" or right direction so the wave function is: ## \Psi(x,k) = A\sin(\omega{t} - kx) ##.
Simpler, imagine the wave curve traveling to the right.

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