Speed and direction of a travelling wave

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the traveling wave represented by the equation \Psi(y,t)=A\cos^2(2\pi(t-y)). The general form of a traveling wave is \Psi(x,t)=f(x-vt), where the speed (v) can be determined by analyzing the argument of the cosine function. The confusion arises from the order of terms in the argument; both (t-y) and (-y+t) yield valid results, with the speed calculated as -1 or 1 respectively. Verification through partial derivatives confirms the consistency of the results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave functions and their representations
  • Familiarity with the general form of a traveling wave
  • Knowledge of partial derivatives in calculus
  • Ability to manipulate trigonometric functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of cosine functions in wave mechanics
  • Learn about the implications of wave speed and direction in physics
  • Explore the use of partial derivatives in verifying wave equations
  • Investigate other forms of wave equations, such as sine waves
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to traveling waves and their mathematical representations.

sarvensogo
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Homework Statement


[tex]\Psi(y,t)=A\cos^22\pi(t-y)[/tex]
Show that this is a traveling wave. Use the general form of a traveling wave to determine its speed and direction.
Verify your answer using [tex]\frac{-\partial \Psi / \partial t}{\partial \Psi / \partial x}[/tex]

Homework Equations


The general form of a traveling wave from class is [tex]\Psi(x,t)=f(x-vt)[/tex].

The Attempt at a Solution


So I tried to just use the form of the traveling wave, but the thing that confused me was whether or not I had to switch around the order of (t-y) in the equation to (-y+t)? If I leave it as is I get that the speed (v) is -1, but if I change the equation to read (-y+t) the speed becomes 1 instead. Either way using the partial derivative equation verifies my answer. I can post my handwritten work if neccesary for proof that I attempted it.

Thanks
 
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sarvensogo said:
So I tried to just use the form of the traveling wave, but the thing that confused me was whether or not I had to switch around the order of (t-y) in the equation to (-y+t)? If I leave it as is I get that the speed (v) is -1, but if I change the equation to read (-y+t) the speed becomes 1 instead.
Please show your work (ideally typed here, that is easier to read. You can also use LaTeX). That should not happen as t-y is exactly the same as -y+t.
 

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