Exercise about the wavefunction

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing the wavefunction of a wave traveling along an ideal rope, with a specific displacement function provided. Participants are tasked with finding the wavefunction and determining the distance between points on the rope that have a given displacement from the equilibrium position.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the wavefunction based on boundary conditions and questions the correctness of their conclusions regarding parameters like amplitude and phase. They also explore the calculation of distance between points with a specific displacement but express uncertainty about their approach.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided feedback on the original poster's reasoning, suggesting that they may have overlooked certain aspects of the problem, such as considering both positive and negative displacements. The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification and further guidance on the derivation process.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of the problem statement and are focused on deriving results based on the provided wavefunction and displacement conditions. There is an emphasis on ensuring all relevant points of displacement are considered.

Soren4
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Homework Statement


[/B]
Consider an ideal rope where there is a wave moving at velocity ##v=20 m/s##. The displacement of one end of the rope is given by
$$s(t)=0.1 \mathrm{sin}(6 t)$$
a) Find the wavefunction ##\xi(x,t)##, knowing that it is progressive
b) Find the distance ##\delta## (in absolute value) between two points of the rope, that, at a certain time istant, are displaced from Equilibrium position of ##0.02 \mathrm{m}##
##[\mathrm{Result} \, \delta=1.34 m]##

Homework Equations


[/B]
A general wavefunction is
$$\xi(x,t)=\xi_0 \mathrm{sin}( k x-\omega t +\psi)\tag{1}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
a) My boundary condition for ##(1)## is that
$$\xi(0,t)=0.1 \mathrm{sin}(6 t)\tag{2}$$
Now is it correct to conclude that ##\xi_0=-0.1 m##, ##\omega=6 rad/s## and ##\psi=0##?
If so, then, considering also ##k=\frac{2 \pi}{\lambda}=\frac{\omega}{v}=0.3 \frac{1}{m}##
$$\xi(x,t)=0.1 \mathrm{sin}(6t-0.3x )\tag{3}$$

b)Here is the problem. I would say that

$$0.02=0.1 \mathrm{sin}(6t-0.3x )\implies (6t-0.3x)=\arcsin(0.2)+2n\pi \vee \pi-\arcsin(0.2)+2n\pi \implies |x_2-x_1|=\frac{\pi-2\arcsin(0.2)}{0.3}$$

But this does not give the correct result.

Where did I go wrong in this problem? Any suggestion is highly apprectiated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Apparently they want the smallest Δx between two points for which the absolute value of the displacement ##\xi## is 0.02 m.
 
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Thanks for the reply!

Yes that's part of the question I guess, could you suggest where I went wrong in my derivation? I still do not see the mistake..
 
It looks like your solution only considers values of ##x## where ##\xi = +0.02## m. What about points where ##\xi = -0.02## m? It helps to make a sketch of the sine wave at some instant of time and mark the points on the x-axis where ##\xi = \pm 0.02## m.
 

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