Given velocity of a transverse wave, need to find w and k. Please help

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving for the wave parameters of a transverse wave traveling at 8.8 m/s, given by the equation y(x, t) = A cos (wt + kx). The wave is confirmed to be moving to the left, with an amplitude (A) of 2 mm. Participants calculated the wave number (k) and angular frequency (w) using the relationship k = 2π/wavelength and w = kv, but faced challenges in determining the correct time values for a snapshot of the wave. The correct times for the snapshot were found to be approximately 1.1 ms, 5.68 ms, and 10.2 ms, with some discrepancies in the calculations for the first time point. Overall, the focus is on accurately deriving wave parameters and resolving timing issues in the context of wave mechanics.
Jen C
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Homework Statement


The drawing shows a snapshot of a transverse wave traveling along a string at 8.8 m/s. The equation for the wave is y(x, t) = A cos (wt + kx).



(a) Is the wave moving to the right or to the left?
To the left

(b) What are the numerical values of A, w, and k?
A 2 mm,
w rad/s
k rad/m

(c) At what times could this snapshot have been taken? (Give the three smallest nonnegative possibilities in order.)
ms ms ms


Homework Equations


Kx=n * pi


The Attempt at a Solution

I found the amplitude to be 2mm but I am not really sure where to go from their. I tried solving for w with the velocity but it doesn't give you frequency or wave length. Please help I am lost!

Sorry I just attached a picture of the graph
 

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hey i can't see the picture>?
 
For part (b), I found k first. Then used that to find w.

k=2pi/wavelength

then

w=kv (v given in word problem)

If you or anyone has insight about part (c), that's where I'm at. (I actually got 2 and 3, but 1 is coming back incorrect for me.)
 
I am not sure how to get the wave length. I found the amplitude to be 2mm but I am not sure how to solve from their
 
When I look for wavelength, I'm a peak-to-peak kind of guy. Just read the x-axis and see how far apart they are. Looks around .04m.
 
For any physics masters out there, this is what I've tried for part C:

Part C: (c) At what times could this snapshot have been taken? (Give the three smallest nonnegative possibilities in order.)

y(x, t) = A cos (wt + kx)

1. took an (x,y) coordinate from graph (peak 1): (0.03m, 0.002m)
2. plugged into equation along with values found in part B, and solved for t at each cycle
y(x, t) = A cos (wt + kx)
0.002m = 0.002m cos ((1382 rad/s)(t) + (157 rad/m)(0.03m))
1 = cos ((1382 rad/s)(t) + (157 rad/m)(0.03m))

Point 1:
2pi = ((1382 rad/s)(t) + (157 rad/m)(0.03m))
t=1.4ms

Point 2:
4pi = ((1382 rad/s)(t) + (157 rad/m)(0.03m))
t=5.68ms

Point 3:
6pi = ((1382 rad/s)(t) + (157 rad/m)(0.03m))
t=10.2ms

Points 2 and 3 give me a correct answer. Point 1, incorrect. I've tried rounding differently and such. But it's just not happening. Anyone see any error in my logic/work?
 
Your answer for 1 is correct you just had one more decimal place than needed when i calculated it with your equation I came up with 1.1 and that's the correct answer
 

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