Wave motion is expressed with trigonometric functions

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around wave motion expressed through trigonometric functions, focusing on calculating displacements at specific times for progressive waves with given amplitudes and wavelengths. Participants are exploring the relationship between wave properties and their mathematical representations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definitions of amplitude and wavelength and their role in constructing time-dependent functions. There are attempts to relate the wave's properties to equations, with some questioning how to visualize the wave and its displacement. Others express uncertainty about the usefulness of external resources for their specific level of study.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing insights about wave equations and expressing confusion about applying learned concepts. Some guidance has been offered regarding the form of wave equations, but there is no clear consensus on how to proceed with the calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that they are new to the topic and have only been taught basic equations related to frequency and wave speed. There is a mention of a specific educational context (AS Level Physics for Edexcel Nuffield) that may influence the applicability of shared resources.

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 [tex]y = A \sin (\omega t - \phi)[/tex]? 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=wavelength x f.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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?
 
  • #10
thanks you letting me know about the site.
 

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