Forces on a String with a Transverse Wave

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the total force exerted by a section of a rope carrying a transverse wave described by the equation y = 0.06 cos(2.1 t - 3.8 x). The rope has a length of 5 meters and a mass of 1.5 kg. The key equations involved are the wave speed equation v = √(Ften/μ) and the net force equation ΣF_net = ma. The participant identifies that the X components of the forces cancel out, necessitating the calculation of the Y component to determine the total force on the specified section of the rope.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of harmonic wave equations
  • Knowledge of wave speed calculations (v = √(Ften/μ))
  • Familiarity with Newton's second law (ΣF_net = ma)
  • Basic concepts of transverse waves and their properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the linear mass density (μ) of the rope using its mass and length
  • Determine the tension (Ften) in the rope required for wave propagation
  • Explore the relationship between wave displacement and acceleration at specific points
  • Investigate the effects of wave properties on force calculations in different mediums
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, as well as educators seeking to enhance their understanding of forces in harmonic waves.

Thefox14
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Homework Statement



The transverse displacement of a harmonic wave on a stretched rope is y = 0.06 cos(2.1 t - 3.8 x), where x and y are in meters and t is in seconds. A 5 meter length of this rope has a mass of 1.5 kg.

[PLAIN]https://wug-s.physics.uiuc.edu/cgi/courses/shell/common/showme.pl?cc/DuPage/phys2111/fall/homework/Ch-16-17-Waves/ec-tran-wave-forces/rope.GIF

At time t = 0, consider a 1/2 wavelength long section of the rope which is carrying the wave between two points which have zero displacement (y = 0). What is the total force exerted by the rest of the rope on this section? (You may neglect any effects due to the weight of the rope.)

Homework Equations



v = \sqrt{\frac{Ften}{\mu}}
\sum F_{net} = ma

The Attempt at a Solution



I'm not sure how to approach this problem. So far what I have realized is that the X component of the force from the left half gets canceled out by the right half. So I really just need to find the Y component right? Though I'm not sure how to go about doing that.

Thanks!
 
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Thefox14 said:
The transverse displacement of a harmonic wave on a stretched rope is y = 0.06 cos(2.1 t - 3.8 x)

It seems like this equation would be a good place to start. If it's giving you the vertical displacement at any point 'x' at a given time then what would be the acceleration of that point?
 

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