General question about wave equation

Thread starter NAkid
Start date Apr 6, 2008
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General Wave Wave equation

AI Thread Summary

To find the phase angle of a wave equation given as y(x,t) = Acos(kx - wt), identify the term that represents the phase shift, which is typically denoted as φ. In the standard form of the wave equation, y(x,t) = Acos(kx - ωt + φ), φ indicates the phase angle. If φ is not explicitly included in the equation, it is assumed to be zero. Thus, the phase angle in this case is zero unless specified otherwise. Understanding this allows for accurate interpretation of wave behavior.

Apr 6, 2008

NAkid

Homework Statement

How do you find the phase angle of a wave equation given in the form

y(x,t) = Acos(kx - wt)

thanks

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

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Apr 6, 2008

Snazzy

The general equation for a wave is

y(x,t) = Acos(kx - \omega t +\phi)

I'm assuming \phi is what you want.

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