Understanding Wave Concept: Troubleshooting a Time Gap

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of wave propagation in a medium, specifically addressing the perceived instantaneous transmission of forces between particles and the resulting time gap in wave travel. The scope includes theoretical considerations of wave mechanics and the implications of force transmission speed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that when a wave starts, the disturbance at point A causes an instantaneous force to be felt at point B, leading to a conclusion that the total time for the wave to reach point D should be zero.
  • Another participant challenges the assumption of instantaneous force transmission, implying that forces are not felt instantaneously between particles.
  • A third participant recalls that forces propagate at a speed limited by the speed of light, suggesting that this speed constraint applies to wave propagation as well.
  • A fourth participant concludes that if forces propagate at the speed of light, it implies that all waves should also travel at this speed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the assumption of instantaneous force transmission and the implications for wave speed. Multiple competing views remain on the nature of force propagation and its relationship to wave speed.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the assumptions about force transmission speed and its implications for wave mechanics, leaving these points open for further exploration.

sadhu
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I have got a trouble with wave concept

suppose wave is passing through a medium ( let it ,just started)

suppose there are four points in the medium (particles)
A,B,C,D

as soon as A is disturbed even by an infinitesimally small distance , B experiences a forces (forces act instantaneously ) . time taken =0;
same happens from B to C
then C to D


time in each case is 0
so net time is 0;

but wave takes some time to reach D, I can't understand why that time gap is coming .as every thing is happening instantly.
 
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Why are you assuming the force from one particle is instantaneously felt by the next?

The fact is that the force is not instantaneously felt by the second particle.
 
if i remember correctly, force is limited at the same speed as light
 
that means every wave should have a speed of light
 

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