Horizontal propagated movement of mechanical wave

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the horizontal propagation of mechanical waves in a string induced by a hand's vertical motion. When a hand moves the string up and down, the transverse wave created travels horizontally due to the tension forces within the string. This phenomenon is explained by the principles of wave mechanics, specifically how energy and momentum transfer through the medium, rather than the entire string moving vertically in unison with the hand's motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics
  • Familiarity with tension forces in strings
  • Basic knowledge of transverse and longitudinal waves
  • Concept of wavefronts and propagation velocity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of wave propagation in strings
  • Learn about tension and its effects on wave speed
  • Explore the differences between transverse and longitudinal waves
  • Investigate the mathematical modeling of wave motion using differential equations
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the mechanics of wave propagation in strings and related physical phenomena.

bolzano95
Messages
89
Reaction score
7

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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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?
 

Similar threads

A transverse wave traveling through a medium versus a particle of the medium
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Question about Waves on a String
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
How does polarization show the wave nature of light?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Propagation of transverse pulse on a string
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
How Do You Calculate the Propagation Speed of a Transverse Wave on a String?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Calculating the length of a string from a standing wave
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Spring set makes up a traveling wave
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Undergrad Need opinions on Youtube video: "From constant moving charge to SR"
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Graph of stationary wave after moving for half period
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Undergrad Mechanism of Energy Conservation in Zero-Amplitude Sum of EM Waveforms
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K