Standing waves on a string -- Find the difference of phases

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the phase difference of points on a string exhibiting standing waves, particularly focusing on the relationship between nodes and the resulting phase differences.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the phase difference between points on a string between nodes, questioning the application of equations related to traveling waves versus standing waves.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights regarding the phase difference being π radians between points located between nodes, while others reflect on their initial misunderstandings related to the equations used. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of these findings.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the distinction between the equations applicable to traveling waves and those relevant to standing waves, indicating a need for clarity on the definitions and setups involved.

LCSphysicist
Messages
644
Reaction score
163
Homework Statement
I will post below.
Relevant Equations
I am not sure, since i am wrong with my equation.
1599353361990.png

The immediate thing i did here is
## \Delta \varphi = k(\Delta x) ##
Interesting enough for a topic, if you use this equation you end up wrong like me, the answer is not D.
Not sure what is the problem.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Consider a section of the string between two nodes. Consider any two points of the string in this section. How would you describe the phase difference of the motion of these two points?
 
TSny said:
Consider a section of the string between two nodes. Consider any two points of the string in this section. How would you describe the phase difference of the motion of these two points?
The nodes are spaced by a half of the wavelength, that is, pi rad?
As the equation implies:
$$ k\Delta x = \frac{2\pi }{\lambda }*\frac{\lambda }{2} $$
In this case the equation work :/
 
  • Wow
Likes   Reactions: LCSphysicist
TSny said:
Identify two consecutive nodes in the following animation. Pick any two points of the string lying between these two nodes. What can you say about the phase difference of the motion of the two points?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Standing_wave#/media/File:Standing_wave.gif
Wow, now i get... the difference if pi...
I think i was applying equation of traveling wave for standing waves, right?
 
LCSphysicist said:
Wow, now i get... the difference if pi...
Good.
I think i was applying equation of traveling wave for standing waves, right?
Yes.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: LCSphysicist

Similar threads

  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
7K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K