Mechanical energy of element of a rope with sinousoidal wave

In summary, the conversation is about the confusion surrounding the concept of energy driven by a wave, specifically in regards to a sinousoidal wave moving in a rope. While the mechanical energy of each element of the rope is thought to be constant due to simple harmonic motion, there is an alternate explanation that suggests it is not constant due to the element not being an isolated system and the action of the rest of the rope on it. The author is seeking clarification and suggestions on this topic, and suggests that the authors should provide more detailed thought on the matter. They also mention the equation of the harmonic oscillator and its first integral, which is a mathematical fact that does not depend on the environment.
  • #1
crick
43
4
I'm confused about energy driven by a wave. Consider a sinousoidal wave moving in a rope.

Each element ##dm## of the rope follows a simple harmonic motion in time. That means that the mechanical energy ##dE=dK+dU## of the element ##dm## is constant.

Nevertheless on Halliday-Resnik-Krane I found this explanation.

Despite the analogies with simple harmonic motion the mechanicalenergy of the element ##dm## is not constant. [...] That's not surprising since the element $dm$ is not an isolated system and its motion is the result of the action of the rest of the rope on it.

I really do not see how this can be possible. Is this related to the fact that the energy of a wave is not concentrated in a single point but somehow spread in all the rope continuously?

I would really appreciate some suggestion on this topic. Is the mechanical energy of ##dm## really not constant? If so, what can be an explanation for that?
 
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  • #2
I believe that the authors should explain their thought detailed. Indeed, the equation of harmonic oscillator ##m\ddot x+k^2 x=0## has the first integral ##m\dot x^2/2+kx^2/2## this is a trivial mathematical fact and it does not depend on environment.
Or in other words if ##x(t)=C_1\cos\omega t+C_2\sin\omega t## then ##\dot x^2/2+\omega^2 x/2=const##
 

1. What is mechanical energy?

Mechanical energy is the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy for a given system. It is the energy that is associated with the motion and position of an object.

2. How is mechanical energy related to a rope with a sinusoidal wave?

In the case of a rope with a sinusoidal wave, the mechanical energy is related to the motion of the rope. The potential energy is stored in the tension of the rope, while the kinetic energy is associated with the movement of the rope as the wave travels through it.

3. What factors affect the mechanical energy of a rope with a sinusoidal wave?

The mechanical energy of a rope with a sinusoidal wave is affected by the amplitude and frequency of the wave, as well as the tension and mass of the rope. The type of material the rope is made of can also play a role in determining the mechanical energy.

4. How is mechanical energy conserved in a rope with a sinusoidal wave?

According to the law of conservation of energy, the total mechanical energy of a system remains constant as long as there are no external forces acting on it. In the case of a rope with a sinusoidal wave, the energy is conserved as the wave travels through the rope without any external forces acting on it.

5. Can the mechanical energy of a rope with a sinusoidal wave be converted into other forms of energy?

Yes, the mechanical energy of a rope with a sinusoidal wave can be converted into other forms of energy, such as thermal energy or sound energy. This can happen if the rope is subjected to external forces or if there is friction between the rope and other objects.

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