How Does Wave Propagation Affect Rope Tension and Displacement?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on wave propagation in a rope, specifically analyzing a triangular wave pulse traveling with speed v and height h. The tension in the rope is determined to be T = (v^2)m, as derived from the formula v^2 = F/m. Additionally, the displacement of point A after a time of 2L/v is concluded to be h/2, based on the wave's behavior. The correct y versus t graph for point A is identified as option C, reflecting the wave's ascent and descent dynamics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and propagation
  • Familiarity with tension in ropes and related formulas
  • Knowledge of triangular wave characteristics
  • Basic principles of displacement and time in wave motion
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of wave speed formulas in different mediums
  • Explore the effects of mass per unit length on wave tension
  • Learn about different wave shapes and their mathematical representations
  • Investigate the relationship between wave displacement and time in more complex waveforms
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and engineers interested in wave mechanics, particularly those focusing on tension and displacement in elastic materials.

TwinGemini14
Messages
31
Reaction score
0
http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu347/TwinGemini14/showme5.gif

Consider a triangular wave pulse shown traveling to the right on a rope with a speed v. Its height is h. The total length of the pulse is 3L, as shown in the figure. The vertical displacement is much exaggerated. The solid line in the figure is a snapshot of the wave at t = 0 and shows that the leading edge has just arrived at point A, which is indicated by the blue dot. The mass per unit length of the rope is m.

This is a snapshot of the actual rope at t = 0.


1) What is the tension (T) in the rope?

A) T = (v^2)(m^2)
B) T = (v^2)m
C) T = v(m^2)

-----
I believe the answer to be B. I used the formula: v^2 = sqrt(F/m) and derived the answer.
-----

2) At t = 2L/v, what is the displacement of point A from its t = 0 position?

A) 0
B) h/3
C) h/2
D) h
E) 3h/2

-----
I am not exactly sure here, but think the answer is C. When point 'A' is at the top of the peak of the wave, it will take L length. When another L passes, 'A' will be half way back to the bottom because it will take 2L to get completely back to its original position. So the answer is C) h/2
-----
3) Which of the following is the y versus t (vertical displacement vs. time) graph for point A.

A) http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu347/TwinGemini14/showme4.gif

B) http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu347/TwinGemini14/showme4B.gif

C) http://i662.photobucket.com/albums/uu347/TwinGemini14/showmeC.gif

----
I believe the answer is C. I used similar logic as for question 2. It will go up to the peak of wave in L length of the wave. It will then decend in 2x that time. So C fits this description.
----

Can somebody please look over these answers and verify my attempt? I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Looks good for all 3. :smile:
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
9K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
23
Views
2K