Monochromatic transverse wave problem

AI Thread Summary
The problem involves a monochromatic transverse wave on a string with a velocity of 12 m/s, amplitude of 0.05 m, and wavelength of 0.4 m. The initial conditions specify that at t=0 and x=0, the string's altitude is 0 and moving upwards. The wave equation is derived as y(x,t) = 0.05sin(5πx - 60πt), but the initial attempt yields a negative value for the string's velocity, contradicting the problem's conditions. To correct this, the amplitude A is adjusted to -0.05, resulting in a positive velocity as required. The final expression accurately reflects the wave's behavior under the given conditions.
Gil-H
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Homework Statement


Monochromatic transverse wave is propagating
in the positive x direction on a string (neither end is fixed).
The wave velocity is 12 m/s, amplitude 0.05 m, and wavelength is 0.4 m.
At t=0 and x=0 the string altitude is 0, and moving in
the positive y direction [i.e. (dy/dt)|(t=0) > 0]

Find the altitude y at x=0.25 m and t=0.15 sec.


The Attempt at a Solution


I figured that since y is 0 when x and t are 0, it must sine:
y(x,t) = Asin(kx-ωt)

I found the parameters I need:
k = (2π/λ)=(2π)/(0.4) = 5π
ω = vk = 12*5π = 60π

and I get
y(x,t) = 0.05sin(5πx-60πt)

I plug in the values x=0.25 and t=0.15 and get
y(0.25,0.15) = -0.02

But this is not the answer. Why?
What did I do wrong?
 
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Gil-H said:

The Attempt at a Solution


I figured that since y is 0 when x and t are 0, it must sine:
y(x,t) = Asin(kx-ωt)

For the expression you wrote, ∂y/∂t is negative. But the problem statement said ∂y/∂t is positive.

You'll need to modify your expression so that ∂y/∂t is positive.
 


Thanks.

I've set A to be -0.05 and it worked.
 
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