Finding the wavelength on a sinusoidal wave on a string

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the wavelength and wave speed of a sinusoidal wave propagating along a stretched string. The amplitude of the wave is established as 4 mm (0.004 m) and the period is identified as 0.04 s. The participants clarify that the two points at x=0 m and x=0.09 m are within one wavelength, leading to the conclusion that the wavelength is 0.09 m. The relationship between wave speed, frequency, and wavelength is emphasized through the equation v=λ/T.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sinusoidal wave equations, specifically y(x,t)=Acos(kx+ωt)
  • Knowledge of wave properties, including amplitude, period, and wavelength
  • Familiarity with wave number calculation, k=2π/λ
  • Basic grasp of wave speed relationships, v=λf
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore the derivation and application of the wave equation y(x,t)=Acos(kx+ωt)
  • Study the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and wave speed in various media
  • Investigate the implications of wave interference on amplitude and wavelength
  • Learn about the effects of tension and mass density on wave speed in strings
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, as well as educators and tutors seeking to enhance their understanding of sinusoidal wave properties and calculations.

Andrew Jacobson
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Homework Statement


Hi, this is a problem regarding mathematical descriptions of waves. I've attached an imagine of the picture but I'll also type out the problem for clarity.
"A sinusoidal wave is propagating along a stretched string that lies on the x-axis. The distplacement of the string as a function of time is graphed in Fig.E11 for particles x=0m and at x=0.09m. (a) What is the amplitude of the wave? (b) What is the period of the wave? (c) You are told that the two points x=0 and x=0.09 are within one wavelength of each other. If the wave is moving in the +x-direction, determine the wavelength and wave speed."

Homework Equations


k=2\pi/\lambda
y(x,t)=Acos(kx+\omega t)

The Attempt at a Solution


(a) from reading off the graph you can see at the amplitude is 4mm or 0.004m

(b) from reading off the graph you can see that the period = 0.04s

(c) this is where I got confused. I thought about making simultaneous equations using x=0 and x=0.09. I figure that the answer involves using the fact that k=2\pi/\lambda but I'm a little unsure.
I started playing with the idea that when y=0 and t=0 0.004cos(kx)=0 and therefore cos(kx)=0 and kx=n\pi/2 however that's not particularly helpful since I don't know the value of x. If anyone could give me a hint or put me on the right track it'd be much appreciated.
 

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Andrew Jacobson said:

Homework Statement


Hi, this is a problem regarding mathematical descriptions of waves. I've attached an imagine of the picture but I'll also type out the problem for clarity.
"A sinusoidal wave is propagating along a stretched string that lies on the x-axis. The distplacement of the string as a function of time is graphed in Fig.E11 for particles x=0m and at x=0.09m. (a) What is the amplitude of the wave? (b) What is the period of the wave? (c) You are told that the two points x=0 and x=0.09 are within one wavelength of each other. If the wave is moving in the +x-direction, determine the wavelength and wave speed."
Wouldn't this mean the wavelength is 0.09m?
How are frequency, wavelength and speed related?
Andrew Jacobson said:
(a) from reading off the graph you can see at the amplitude is 4mm or 0.004m
Correct
Andrew Jacobson said:
(b) from reading off the graph you can see that the period = 0.04s
Correct
 
lep11 said:
Wouldn't this mean the wavelength is 0.09m?
How are frequency, wavelength and speed related?Correct
Correct
Well it just says that they're within one wavelength, so the wavelength could be bigger than 0.09m? I know that v=\lambda f but this doesn't help since I only know the frequency.
 
Andrew Jacobson said:
Well it just says that they're within one wavelength, so the wavelength could be bigger than 0.09m? I know that v=\lambda f but this doesn't help since I only know the frequency.
Oh, my bad, I thought the points are one wavelength away from each other. Anyway, v=λf=λ/T still holds.
 
Last edited:

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