Superposition of two waves with different frequencies

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the superposition of two waves with different frequencies and wave numbers traveling through a dispersive medium. The user attempts to derive the resultant wave function P(t) by applying the cosine addition identity and calculating average frequencies and wave numbers. They express their solution but encounter confusion regarding the correct signs for the average and difference terms in the cosine functions. Clarification is sought on whether their approach is correct and how to properly handle the signs for k(av) and w(av). The conversation emphasizes the importance of precision in mathematical expressions for accurate wave representation.
SinSinger
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Homework Statement


Hi all! It's a superposition question: Two waves travel through dispersive medium, with different frequencies and wave number.
P1(t)=Acos(k1x-w1t)
P2(t)=Acos(k2x-w2t)
Obtain the P(t)=P1(t)+P2(t)

Homework Equations


Well I used identity:
cosα+cosβ=2 cos 1/2(α+β)cos1/2(α-β)
and the following:
w(av)=(w1+w2)/2 Δw=w1-w2
k(av)= (k1+k2)/2 Δk=K1-k2

The Attempt at a Solution


So, this is what I tried to do:
P(t)=A0(2cos(1/2)((k1x-w1t)+(k2x+w2t))cos(1/2)((k1x-w1t)-(k2x-w2t)

=2A0(cos(((k+k)/2)x)-((w-w)/2)t))cos(((k-k)/2)x)-((w+w)/2)t))

=2A0(cos(k(av)-(1/2)Δwt)cos((1/2)Δkx-w(av)t))

And, from here on I'm stuck: Is this all that needed? Help would be very appreciated. :)
 
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I think this is all that's needed. But you have to be a bit sharper with the signs, to get k(av) and w(av) in the first and Δk and Δw in the second cosine - I think...
 
Hmm, what do you mean?
Thank for the help by the way :)
 
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