Finding the wavelength on a sinusoidal wave on a string

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Homework Help Overview

This discussion revolves around the mathematical descriptions of sinusoidal waves on a string, specifically focusing on amplitude, period, wavelength, and wave speed. Participants are analyzing a problem that includes graphing the displacement of the string at specific points along the x-axis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to determine the amplitude and period from the graph, with some expressing confusion about calculating the wavelength based on the given points. Questions arise regarding the relationship between frequency, wavelength, and speed, and whether the wavelength could be greater than the distance between the two points.

Discussion Status

Some participants have confirmed their findings for amplitude and period, while others are exploring the implications of the points being within one wavelength. There is an ongoing examination of the relationship between wave properties, but no consensus has been reached regarding the wavelength calculation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem states the two points are within one wavelength of each other, leading to discussions about the implications of this statement and the potential for varying wavelength values.

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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