Finding the slop of a string (Waves)

In summary, wave motion involves two velocities: the velocity of the wave in the medium and the velocity of the medium itself. When considering a transverse wave traveling in a string, the mathematical form is y(x,t) = Asin(kx - \omega t). To find the slope of the string, take the derivative of this equation, using the chain rule for the derivative of sin. However, it is important to check for consistency of units in the final result.
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Homework Statement



Wave motion is characterized by two velocities: the velocity with which the wave moves in the medium (e.g., air or a string) and the velocity of the medium (the air or the string itself).

Consider a transverse wave traveling in a string. The mathematical form of the wave is

[tex] y(x,t) = Asin(kx - \omega t)[/tex]

Find the slope of the string [tex] \frac{dy(x,t)}{dx} [/tex] as a function of position x and time t.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



So to find the slope of that equation, I would just need to take it's derivative. x is the variables, and [tex]\omega[/tex], A, t are constants. I would also need to use the chain rule when doing the derivative of sin.

So I get: [tex] \frac{dy(x,t)}{dx} = (Acos(kx - \omega t))*(k - \omega t) [/tex]

but it says I'm wrong. Any suggestions where I went wrong?
 
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  • #2
Check your result for consistency of units.
 
  • #3
[tex] \frac d {dx} ( kx- \omega t) [/tex] = ?
 
  • #4
Integral said:
[tex] \frac d {dx} ( kx- \omega t) [/tex] = ?

would I treat the x as a variable and t as a constant?
 

1. What is the definition of slope in relation to waves?

The slope of a wave is a measure of its steepness or rate of change. It is usually represented by the variable 'm' and is calculated by dividing the change in the vertical direction by the change in the horizontal direction.

2. How do you find the slope of a string/wave?

To find the slope of a string or wave, you will need to measure two points on the wave and calculate the change in the vertical direction (y) and the change in the horizontal direction (x). Then, divide the change in y by the change in x to get the slope (m = Δy/Δx).

3. What are the units for slope in waves?

The units for slope in waves depend on the units used for the vertical and horizontal measurements. For example, if the vertical measurement is in meters and the horizontal measurement is in seconds, the slope would have units of meters per second (m/s).

4. Why is finding the slope of a string/wave important?

The slope of a string or wave can provide important information about its characteristics and behavior. It is used to calculate the velocity, frequency, and wavelength of a wave, which are all important properties in understanding and analyzing wave phenomena.

5. How does the shape of a wave affect its slope?

The shape of a wave can affect its slope in various ways. For a straight line wave, the slope remains constant. However, for a curved wave, the slope changes at each point, reflecting the varying steepness of the wave. A steeper wave will have a higher slope, while a flatter wave will have a lower slope.

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