Group Velocity in terms of Wavlength and velocity

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the group velocity formula, expressed as vg = dω/dk = v - λ * dv/dλ, where v represents phase velocity. Key equations include the relationships between wave numbers (k), angular frequency (ω), and phase velocity (v). The solution involves applying the chain rule and manipulating the equations to express group velocity in terms of wavelength and its derivative. Participants emphasize the importance of correctly handling the relationships between these variables to simplify the derivation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and the concept of phase velocity.
  • Familiarity with calculus, particularly differentiation and the chain rule.
  • Knowledge of angular frequency and its relation to wave number.
  • Basic grasp of the relationship between wavelength and frequency.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of group velocity in wave mechanics.
  • Learn about the implications of phase velocity and group velocity in different media.
  • Explore the application of the chain rule in physics problems.
  • Investigate the relationship between dispersion and group velocity.
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Students and educators in physics, particularly those studying wave mechanics, as well as researchers interested in the mathematical modeling of wave phenomena.

Sswift
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Homework Statement



Show that the group velocity
vg=dω/dk
can be written as
vg=v-λ*dv/dλ

where v = phase velocity

Homework Equations



n=n(k)=c/v
k=2∏/λ
ω=2∏f=kv
fλ=c

The Attempt at a Solution


dω/dk = d(kv)/dk= v+k(dv/dk)= v+ck(d(n^-1)/dk) =v-(ck/n^2)(dn/dk)
=>v-(vk/n)(dn/dk) = v-(ω/n)(dn/dk) = v- (2∏f*v/c)(dn/dk)
=> v(1-(1/λ)(dn/d(1/λ))
I'm not sure where to go from here, I've been working at this a while and I'm not sure how I could get the 1/λ to become just a λ. I'm also not sure how to get my n in dn/d(1/λ) to be a v since say if I multiply that term by c/c then I get

v(1-(c/λ)d(1/v)/d(1/λ)) where c/λ is really just f
 
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Don't mess with n.
Write w as a function of k and v where w = 2pi f.
Then take dw
The rest is just messing around with k = 2pi/lambda, eliminating k.
You will also need dv/dk. Hint: chain rule.
 
Got it, thanks that was way easier than I was making it
 

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