Horizontal propagated movement of mechanical wave

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the propagation of transverse waves in a string when induced by vertical hand movement. The key point is that while the hand moves up and down, the wave travels horizontally along the string due to the tension and forces acting within the string. The string does not move straight up and down as a whole because the wave energy transfers through the medium, causing particles to oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. This results in a series of wavefronts moving towards a fixed wall at a velocity v. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for grasping the fundamentals of wave motion in physics.
bolzano95
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Homework Statement



A hand induces a transverse wave in a string by periodically moving up and down. This causes the string to move up and down. This movement propagates through the string producing a series of wavefronts which move towards the fixed wall with a velocity v.

How do we physically explain why is this movement propagated horizontally? I was asked this on exam and didn't know. My professor later explained to me that it has to do with forces in a string, but I didn't quite understand him.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I was looking for explanation, but couldn't find it. It seems everyone takes this for granted, but I'm really interested in physical explanation.
 
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Reason it out. If you move your hand holding the string straight up and down, does the entire string move straight up and down in concert with your hand? Why not?
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'

In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
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