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- Relevant Equations
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Someone know how to derive v = √(T/μ) for waves traveling? (without being by dimensional analyse)
etotheipi said:Look into the wave equation, ##\frac{\partial^2 y}{\partial t^2} = v^2\frac{\partial^2 y}{\partial x^2}##. The classic way of deriving this for a transverse wave on a tensioned string is to consider a small element like this
View attachment 266517
such that the tensions on either end are approximately equal, and both angles are small. The linear density of string is ##\mu##, although as it happens it is easier, at least first off, to neglect the contribution of the weight of the element to the resultant force. Try to apply Newton's second law in the vertical direction!
N.B. you might wonder what would happen if we don't neglect the weight. Actually, nothing much, except the wave equation now contains a constant source term.
The equation for the velocity of a progressive travelling wave is v = λf, where v is the velocity, λ is the wavelength, and f is the frequency.
The velocity of a progressive travelling wave is directly proportional to its wavelength and frequency. This means that as the wavelength or frequency increases, the velocity also increases.
No, the velocity of a progressive travelling wave cannot be negative. It represents the speed at which the wave is moving in a specific direction. A negative velocity would indicate that the wave is moving in the opposite direction.
The medium through which a wave travels can affect its velocity. For example, waves travel faster in denser mediums, such as water, compared to less dense mediums, such as air.
Yes, there is a maximum velocity for a progressive travelling wave. This is known as the speed of light, which is approximately 3 x 10^8 meters per second. This velocity is only applicable for electromagnetic waves, such as light, and not for mechanical waves.