Wave function for transverse waves on a rope

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the wave function for a sinusoidal wave traveling along a rope, as outlined in Serway's Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 9th Edition, Chapter 16, problem 19. The wave characteristics include an amplitude (A) of 8.00 cm, a wavelength (λ) of 80.0 cm, and a frequency (f) of 3.00 Hz. The wave function is expressed as y(x,t) = A sin(kx - ωt + φ), where k = 2π/λ and ω = 2πf. The discussion highlights the ambiguity in the initial phase (φ), noting that both φ = 0 and φ = π satisfy the initial condition, yet the provided solutions only acknowledge φ = 0.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sinusoidal wave equations
  • Familiarity with wave properties such as amplitude, wavelength, and frequency
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions and their applications in physics
  • Basic grasp of phase shifts in wave mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of wave equations in different media
  • Explore the implications of phase shifts in wave propagation
  • Investigate the differences between standing waves and traveling waves
  • Review additional problems in Serway's Physics for Scientists and Engineers for further practice
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Students of physics, particularly those studying wave mechanics, educators preparing lesson plans on wave phenomena, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of sinusoidal wave behavior in physical systems.

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Homework Statement


Serway's Physics for Sciencetists and Engineers with Modern Physics, 9th Edition (current), Chapter 16, problem 19:[/B]
(a) Write the expression for y as a function of x and t in SI units for a sinusoidal wave traveling along a rope
in the negative x direction with the following characteristics:
A = 8.00 cm, \lambda= 80.0 cm, f = 3.00 Hz, and y(0, t) = 0 at t = 0. (b) What If? Write the expression for y as a function of x and t for the wave in part (a) assuming y(x, 0) = 0 at the point x = 10.0 cm.

Homework Equations


$$ y(x,t)=ASin\left(kx\pm \omega t +\phi \right) \\k=\frac{2\pi}{\lambda} \\\omega=2\pi f$$
And the fact that the minus sign inside the Sine corresponds to a wave traveling along the +x direction and the plus sign to the -x direction.

The Attempt at a Solution


k and \omega are readily given by the formulas above. The direction of the wave chooses the right sign inside the Sine. Only problem is the initial phase \phi. Using the given data: at t=x=0 we must have:
$$ Sin(\phi)=0$$ which, by trigonometry, corresponds to TWO solutions ( modulo 2 pi): Either \phi=0 or \phi=\pi BUTthe solutions at the end of the book (odd numbered problems, Serway's Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, 9th Edition (current), Chapter 16, problem 19, page 502, whose solution is given on page A-38 at the end of the book), gives only the first solution and says nothing about the second (with initial phase being pi).
Part (b) is just the same.

This cannot be discarded, I think. It fulfills all the given conditions, right? Am I missing something here? Does the direction of propagation of the wave influence on picking out only one of the two?
thanks
 
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I agree with you.
 
thanks. But I'm surprisedd serway wouldn's say anything about the other solution. This problem's been there since at least the seventh edition
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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