# Energy in standing waves

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## Homework Statement

The ends of a stretched wire of length L are fixed at x=0 and x=L. In one experiment, the displacement of the wire is given by ##y=A\sin\left(\frac{\pi x}{L}\right)\sin(\omega t)## and its energy is ##E_1##. In another experiment, the displacement of wire is given by ##y=A\sin\left(\frac{2\pi x}{L}\right)\sin(2\omega t)## and its energy is ##E_2##. If ##E_2=kE_1##, find ##k## (k is a positive integer).

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## The Attempt at a Solution

$$y=A\sin\left(\frac{\pi x}{L}\right)\sin(\omega t)=\frac{A}{2}\left[\cos\left(\frac{\pi x}{L}-\omega t\right)-\cos\left(\frac{\pi x}{L}+\omega t\right)\right]$$

The given wave is formed by two waves travelling in opposite direction with amplitudes ##\frac{A}{2}##. At ##t=0##, the two waves completely cancel out each other. Hence the energy becomes zero. Isnt ##E_1## time dependent?

## Answers and Replies

Orodruin
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The waves only cancel each other in the displacement. This means the potential is zero at that moment. They do not cancel in the velocity. In fact, the string has its maximal velocity at that time.

I suggest finding an expression for the kinetic energy of the string and compute it at t=0 when the potential is zero.

No, the energies are not time dependent.

Titan97
Gold Member
Using ##\text{d}K=\frac{1}{2}(\mu \text{d}x) v_y^2##
$$K=\frac{1}{4}\mu\omega^2A^2L\cos^2\omega t$$

at ##t=0##
$$E_1=\frac{1}{4}\mu\omega^2A^2L$$
$$E_2=\frac{1}{4}\cdot 2\mu\cdot 4\omega^2A^2\frac{L}{2}=4E_1$$

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@Orodruin how can I compute potential energy as a function of time?

Orodruin
Staff Emeritus