Simple wave problem - phase constant

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the phase constant φ in the wave equation y(x, t) = ym sin(kx - ωt + φ), based on a provided graph of displacement versus time for a point on a string as a wave passes through.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the wave equation and the graph, discussing the implications of the initial displacement value and the potential for misinterpretation of the phase constant due to quadrant considerations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, questioning the assumptions about the quadrant in which φ lies and discussing the implications of the sine function's behavior in different quadrants. Some guidance has been offered regarding the interpretation of the graph and the relationship to the phase constant.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential pitfalls with calculator outputs for inverse trigonometric functions, and participants are considering how to verify their results through graphical representation.

i_hate_math
Messages
150
Reaction score
2

Homework Statement


The figure shows the displacement y versus time t of the point on a string at x = 0, as a wave passes through that point. The scale of the x axis is set by ys = 84.0 mm.The wave has form y(x, t) = ym sin (kx - ωt+φ). What is φ? (Caution: A calculator does not always give the proper inverse trig function, so check your answer by substituting it and an assumed value of ω into y(x, t) and then plotting the function.)

Homework Equations


y(x, t) = ym sin (kx - ωt+φ)

The Attempt at a Solution


This is supposed to be really easy but the solution I got was wrong. My approach was straight forward:
read off the initial y value --- y(0,0)=0.028
and sub in the equation: 0.028=0.084sin(0-0+φ)
φ=arcsin(0.028/0.084)=0.339836...=0.340 rad
The question mentioned that the calculator might give the wrong value but I do not see how I could make amend to it.
Please enlighten me!
 

Attachments

  • pict_16_62.gif
    pict_16_62.gif
    1.7 KB · Views: 636
Physics news on Phys.org
At ##x=0##, you have ##y = -A\sin(\omega t -\phi)##, this is the curve ##y = -A\sin(\omega t)## translated by ##\phi##. When you compare ##y = -A\sin(\omega t)## with the picture you uploaded, you should see that ##\phi## should be in the second quadrant.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: i_hate_math
blue_leaf77 said:
At ##x=0##, you have ##y = -A\sin(\omega t -\phi)##, this is the curve ##y = -A\sin(\omega t)## translated by ##\phi##. When you compare ##y = -A\sin(\omega t)## with the picture you uploaded, you should see that ##\phi## should be in the second quadrant.
I see where I went wrong, thank you very much for the help!
 
blue_leaf77 said:
At ##x=0##, you have ##y = -A\sin(\omega t -\phi)##, this is the curve ##y = -A\sin(\omega t)## translated by ##\phi##. When you compare ##y = -A\sin(\omega t)## with the picture you uploaded, you should see that ##\phi## should be in the second quadrant.
Though, are you sure its in the second quadrant? I think it should be π+0.340 and that's third quadrant
 
i_hate_math said:
I think it should be π+0.340 and that's third quadrant
That cannot be the case because sine of an angle in 3rd quadrant is negative, on the other hand the displacement is positive in your picture.
 
blue_leaf77 said:
That cannot be the case because sine of an angle in 3rd quadrant is negative, on the other hand the displacement is positive in your picture.
So it would be π-0.34? This gives a value that's in the 2nd quad
 
Yes.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: i_hate_math

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
6K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K