Understanding Transverse Wave Pulses

2 replies · 4K views · last reply
bilals
Messages
9
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Homework problem showing a transverse wave pulse y = 5e^(-x^2/2) at t = 0 and seven candidate functions 1 to 7 of x and t, each with a 4.5 factor in the exponent or added term.



2. The attempt at a solution

i thought it was number one...as we have -4.5m/s in the equation indicating that the pulse is moving in the negative direction.. i submitted the answer.unfortunately it was incorrect..

Can you help me with this..if possible.
 
Last edited:
What about number 7? The dimensions are wrong in number one, because you have [itex]x^2 - vt[/itex], so [itex]x^2[/itex] has units of [itex](ms^{-1})^2[/itex] and vt units of [itex]ms^{-1}[/itex].
 
Thank you Nylex for ur help...i submitted the answer (number 7)but...--->its wrong.
i thought again about the dimensions..i found that number two also has correct dimensions. i submitted it..and its correct.
my reasoning (not sure if it's correct)..that the negative outside the bracket when multiplied but +4.5t,becomes negative ..indicating the negative direction of the pulse.



Correct solution (Number 2)
 
Last edited: