Wave motion is expressed with trigonometric functions

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating wave displacements using trigonometric functions, specifically for progressive waves with given amplitudes and wavelengths. Participants express confusion about applying the wave equation and understanding the relationship between amplitude, wavelength, and displacement. There is a suggestion to use the equation y = A sin(ωt - φ) for calculations, but some users indicate they were only taught basic relationships like frequency and wave speed. A link to a resource is provided, though its usefulness is questioned by some users. Overall, the conversation highlights the challenges of grasping wave motion concepts in early physics education.
Bez
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I was wondering if someone would be able to help me with the following questions:
-A progessive wave has amplitude 0.40m and wave length 2.0m. At a given times the displacement y=0 at x=0. Calulate the displacement at (a)t=5sec (b) t=0.8sec
-A progessive wave has amplitude 2.5m and a time period of 10sec. At a given distance the displacement y=0 at t=0. Calulate the displacement at (a)t=0.001sec (b) t=0.003sec

It would be useful if there is a step up step method, which could show how you got to the answer that you got, which therefore means that i would be able to use it for other examples. Thankyou.
 
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I'm not sure if I can give you an exact answer, but wave motion is expressed with trigonometric functions. If you figure out what the definitions of the amplitude and wave length are, you should be able to construct a time dependent function which will give you the answer.
 
radou said:
I'm not sure if I can give you an exact answer, but wave motion is expressed with trigonometric functions. If you figure out what the definitions of the amplitude and wave length are, you should be able to construct a time dependent function which will give you the answer.

so i just draw a wave and find the displacement and time using tht?... well i did try tht but it didn't really help much.:cry:
 
Did you use an equation of the form y = A \sin (\omega t - \phi)? Something at least similar to that must have been mentioned in your lecture notes, if you're dealing with waves.
 
well... we only started the topic therefore we were only taught the equation: f=1/T or T=1/f and v=wavelenght x f.
 
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hey whn it comes to drawing the waves---how do u know where the 0.50m or the 1.4m is? as you are just drawing a wave... the amplitude is the displacement right? and the wave has a amplitude of 0.40m:confused:
 
Bez said:
hey whn it comes to drawing the waves---how do u know where the 0.50m or the 1.4m is? as you are just drawing a wave... the amplitude is the displacement right? and the wave has a amplitude of 0.40m:confused:

The answer to your question is on the link I gave you - all you have to do is read. :wink:
 
nope... the site wasn't really useful in solving the question tht i had... u sure it can be used for AS Level Physics for Edxcel Nuffield?
 
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thanks you letting me know about the site.
 
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