Transverse waves moving (a string)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the behavior of transverse waves, specifically focusing on the motion of particles within a traveling pulse on a string. Participants explore concepts related to particle velocity, equilibrium points, and the dynamics of single pulses versus continuous waves.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that a particle in a transverse wave reaches maximum velocity at the equilibrium point but question why it stops suddenly there.
  • Others challenge this assertion, asking for specific examples and clarification on the nature of the disturbance in the rope.
  • One participant suggests that the perception of the string stopping may stem from confusion with continuous waves, where maximum speed occurs at zero displacement.
  • Another participant proposes that maximum speed in a single pulse likely occurs at the steepest part of the pulse, noting that it slows down as it approaches the equilibrium position.
  • Concerns are raised about the practical difficulties of creating a unidirectional pulse on a string, including potential overswing below the equilibrium line.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the behavior of particles in transverse waves, with multiple competing views and interpretations of the dynamics involved.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the definitions of maximum speed in different wave forms and the specific conditions under which these behaviors are observed.

pyctz
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in transverse wave (traveling pulse) when a particle move down it has maximum velocity at equilibrium point , why it stop suddenly at this point?
 
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pyctz said:
in transverse wave when a particle move down it has maximum velocity at equilibrium point , why it stop suddenly at this point?
It does?
 
nasu said:
It does?
yes
 
What makes you think this? Do you have a specific example in mind?
 
nasu said:
What makes you think this? Do you have a specific example in mind?
a disturbance in one region of
rope and
, the
propagation of this
disturbance
to other regions
 
I can appreciate how it may look as if the string stops. But you would need to see exactly how the single pulse is formed and how it's actually driven.
I it may be that your OP is based on what you have learned about continuous waves ( even just simple sine waves) where the maximum speed is at the zero crossing. Things are different for single pulses.
 
sophiecentaur said:
I can appreciate how it may look as if the string stops. But you would need to see exactly how the single pulse is formed and how it's actually driven.
I it may be that your OP is based on what you have learned about continuous waves ( even just simple sine waves) where the maximum speed is at the zero crossing. Things are different for single pulses.
explain about single pulse,
where does maximum speed occure?
 
Probably at the steepest part of the pulse. As with a sine waveform.
It has to be slowing down as it approaches the middle (displacement =0)
In practice, such a unidirectional pulse could be hard to impress on a string. There could be overswing below the line.
 

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