Solve Simple Wave Problem: Find y at x=0.25 m & t=0.15 sec

  • Thread starter Gil-H
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In summary, the problem involves a monochromatic transverse wave propagating in the positive x direction on a string, with a velocity of 12 m/s, amplitude of 0.05 m, and wavelength of 0.4 m. Using the wave equation, y(x,t) = Asin(kx-ωt), the parameters k and ω are found to be 5π and 60π, respectively. However, a mistake was made in using degrees instead of radians, resulting in an incorrect answer of 0.02 instead of -0.02. After correcting the equation to account for the condition (dy/dt)|(t=0) > 0, the correct answer is found to be -0
  • #1
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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  • #2
Welcome to PF!

Hi Gil-H! Welcome to PF! :wink:
Gil-H said:
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

The wave equation looks ok, :smile:

but how did you get .02? :confused:
 
  • #3
I got -.02 because I was unawarely working in degrees.
I should be .0354
But after advice I got, I changed the wavefunction to be:
y(x,t) = -0.05sin(5πx-60πt) (I added a minus sign)
That's because of the condition that (dy/dt)|(t=0) > 0.

Anyway, thanks for trying to help (-:
 

What is a wave?

A wave is a disturbance that travels through a medium, transferring energy from one point to another without permanently displacing the medium itself.

What is a simple wave?

A simple wave is a type of wave that can be described by a single frequency and wavelength. This means that the wave has a regular pattern of oscillation and can be represented by a sine or cosine function.

How do you find the value of y at a specific point in a simple wave?

In order to find the value of y at a specific point in a simple wave, you will need to know the equation that describes the wave, as well as the values of the independent variables (in this case, x and t). You can then plug in the values for x and t and solve for y.

What is the significance of x=0.25m and t=0.15sec in this problem?

The values of x=0.25m and t=0.15sec represent a specific point in both space and time. This means that at this particular point in the medium, the wave has traveled a distance of 0.25m and 0.15 seconds have passed since the wave started.

Why is it important to solve simple wave problems?

Solving simple wave problems allows us to understand the behavior and properties of waves, which can help us in various applications such as communication, navigation, and medical imaging. It also allows us to make predictions about the behavior of waves in different scenarios.

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