- #1
physicsmaster123
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- TL;DR
- How is this the same as this?
How is this the same as this? (two kinds of waves)
- Context: Undergrad
- Thread starter physicsmaster123
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SUMMARY
The discussion clarifies the visual representation of two types of wave phenomena, specifically comparing a side view and a top view of water waves. The equation ##\ddot y + y = 0## is referenced, indicating a mathematical context for wave motion. The left image depicts the waves from a side perspective, while the right image shows them from above, highlighting the crests and troughs. Both perspectives illustrate similar wave behavior, emphasizing the importance of viewpoint in understanding wave dynamics.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of wave motion and properties
- Familiarity with basic physics concepts
- Knowledge of mathematical representations of waves, such as differential equations
- Ability to visualize three-dimensional phenomena from different perspectives
- Study the mathematical foundations of wave equations, particularly harmonic oscillators
- Explore visualizations of wave phenomena using tools like MATLAB or Python's Matplotlib
- Learn about the principles of wave interference and superposition
- Investigate the applications of wave theory in fields such as acoustics and optics
Students of physics, educators teaching wave dynamics, and anyone interested in the mathematical modeling of physical phenomena will benefit from this discussion.
- #2
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I only see ##\ddot y +y =0.## What do you mean?
- #3
Ibix
Science Advisor
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They aren't the same.
Perhaps you could add some context to the question.
Perhaps you could add some context to the question.
- #4
- 15,876
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What are we comparing? There is one kind of this on the left hand side and two kinds of thises on the right hand side. This goes to show that we need more information on this.
- #5
Sciencemaster
- 129
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Imagine a large surface of water. Now imagine that this water is waving in one direction. At every point on the surface of the water, the waves are moving in the same direction. If you were to look at the surface of this water from the side (perpendicularly to the direction of wave motion), you would find that the surface looks like your image on the left.
Now move your perspective so that you are looking at the same surface of water from above. It's a nice sunny day, and the sunlight reflects off of the top of the waves, while casting a shadow in the troughs. This is essentially what you are seeing on the left side of the right image. The purple spots are the crests of waves, while the dark spots are troughs.
In short, they both represent similar waves, but from different perspectives--one from the side, and one from above. Hope this helps!
Now move your perspective so that you are looking at the same surface of water from above. It's a nice sunny day, and the sunlight reflects off of the top of the waves, while casting a shadow in the troughs. This is essentially what you are seeing on the left side of the right image. The purple spots are the crests of waves, while the dark spots are troughs.
In short, they both represent similar waves, but from different perspectives--one from the side, and one from above. Hope this helps!
- #6
physicsmaster123
- 3
- 0
Ahhh, yes that makes a lot of sense now thanks!
- #7
Sciencemaster
- 129
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No problem. Glad I could help!physicsmaster123 said:
- #8
- 29,430
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The "science master" helps the "physics master", I see!
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