Initial phase determination in a wave

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a wave equation to determine its amplitude and initial phase. The wave equation provided is a combination of cosine and sine functions, and the user is tasked with proving that the amplitude is 0.05 meters and the initial phase is -π/4, given specific values for angular frequency (w) and wave number (k). The user attempts to use phasor addition and trigonometric identities but struggles to derive the correct phase. They express confusion about converting sine to cosine forms and seek guidance on the correct approach to prove the required parameters. The conversation highlights the challenges of applying trigonometric identities in wave analysis.
Jos_Moreira
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



I'm having trouble solving the following exercise:
Given the following wave equation:
y=0.01cos(wt-kx)+0.02*6^(1/2)sin(wt-kx)
prove that if w=16s^-1 and k=6m^-1 then the amplitude of the wave is 0.05 meters and the initial phase is -pi/4 how can I prove that? By phasor addiction probably but I can't go far that way. can someone show me how to do it?
Thank you

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I converted sin(wt-kx) to cos(wt-kx-pi/2) so I can write the phasor corresponding to each cosine and attempt to add then an see what I get back, but what I get back I the equation I started with with the cos(wt-kx-pi/2) back as sin(wt-kx) by looking att the trignometric identity: acos(A)+bsin(B)=\sqrt{b^2+a^2}*sin(A+C) where C is arctan(\frac{b}{a}) i could get the amplitude, but the phase I get is diffrent.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
can't you use trig to turn cos(A-B) into cosAcosB+sinAsinB, turn sin(A-B) to sinAcosB-cosAsinB
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
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...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top