Two Transverse Sinusoidal waves combine in a medium

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the combination of two transverse sinusoidal wave functions, y1 and y2, represented mathematically. Participants are exploring the implications of the wave equations and the interpretation of the sine function in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand how to combine the wave functions and are questioning the interpretation of the sine function notation. There is confusion regarding the notation used in the wave equations and its implications for the values of y1 and y2.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants clarifying the notation and addressing misunderstandings about the sine function. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct interpretation of the wave functions, but there is still uncertainty about the notation and its implications.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the notation of the sine function, particularly the use of "sin∏" and its evaluation. Participants are also considering whether there may be typographical errors in the original problem statement.

Willjeezy
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Homework Statement


Two Transverse Sinusoidal waves combine in a medium are described by the wave functions:

y1 = 3sin∏(x + 0.600t)

y2 = 3sin∏(x - 0.600t)

what is y1 + y2?

Homework Equations


the hint is that I am supposed to use:
sin(α + β) = sin(α)cos(β) + cos(α)sin(β)

The Attempt at a Solution


the answer in the back is:
y = y1 + y2 = 6sin(∏x)cos(0.600∏t)

I am not really sure how they got that. In fact,the notation of y1 and y2 confuse me because y1 says:

y1=3sin∏(x + 0.600t)

and I interpret this as 3 multiplied by sin∏ multiplied by (x+0.600t)

but the problem is sin∏ = 0, so don't both equations just reduce to 0?

y1 = 0
y2 = 0?

Can someone clarify this for me?
 
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Willjeezy said:
y1=3sin∏(x + 0.600t)

and I interpret this as 3 multiplied by sin∏ multiplied by (x+0.600t)



No. 3sin[π(x + 0.6t)] means "three times the sine of the angle π(x + 0.6t)".
 
hmm.3sin[π(x + 0.6t)]

it was written verbatim as:
3sin∏(x + 0.600t)

thanks, rude man.
 
Last edited:
Willjeezy said:
hmm.

I wasn't sure if it was a typo, they are missing the outer square brackets

3sin[π(x + 0.6t)]

it was written verbatim as:
3sin∏(x + 0.600t)

thanks, rude man.

I just added the square brackets for emphasis for your benefit.

Why would anyone write "sinπ" when that quantity is zero?
 

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