Time needed for a point on a wave to move between two transverse displacements

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the time required for a point on a wave described by the equation y(x,t) = 5mm sin(kx + (600rad/s)t + φ) to move between two transverse displacements: y = 2mm and y = -2mm. The user attempts to solve the problem using the sine function and arrives at a time difference of Δt = 1.3ms, but the expected answer is 1.1ms. The user also raises concerns about calculator modes affecting the results, indicating potential discrepancies between different versions of calculators and textbooks.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave equations and sine functions
  • Familiarity with angular frequency and its units (rad/s)
  • Knowledge of calculator modes (degrees vs. radians)
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the properties of sine functions in wave mechanics
  • Learn about angular frequency and its implications in wave motion
  • Investigate the differences between calculator modes and their impact on trigonometric calculations
  • Practice similar wave displacement problems to reinforce understanding
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Students studying wave mechanics, physics educators, and anyone seeking to improve their understanding of wave motion and displacement calculations.

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Homework Statement



If a wave y(x,t) = 5mm sin(kx + (600rad/s)t + φ) travels along a string, how much time does any given point on the string take to move between displacements y = 2mm and y = -2mm


The Attempt at a Solution



we have
1. 2=5sin(kx + 600t1 + φ)
sin(kx + 600t + φ)=0.4
kx + 600t + φ = 0.4 (=0.4 or =23.5 because I am not sure which mode to use on the calculator, degrees or radians)
2. -2=5sin(kx + 600t2 + φ)
sin(kx + 600t + φ)=-0.4
kx + 600t + φ = -0.4 (=-0.4 or =-23.5 same reason)

Since its the same point moving up and down, we have the same kx and φ (ill use the 0.4 since both ways my answer is wrong)

0.4 - 600t1 = -0.4 - 600t2
600(t1-t2) = 0.8
Δt = 1.3 * 10-3s = 1.3ms

the answer is 1.1ms and its supposed to be one of the easiest problems because its the first problem of the chapter but i just can't do it and please tell me more about the calculator modes issue i talked about
 
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my answer my be right because i just found out that there are many changes in newer and older versions and that the book has apparently used other close values (like in many other exercices) so it may be that

is what I am doing right?
 

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