Superposition of Two Waves on a String: Amplitude and Wavelength Calculation

In summary, the equations given describe two waves traveling along the same string with different phase shifts and frequencies. To calculate the resultant displacement of the string at t=3.00s, the amplitude and wavelength can be found using the equations for superposition and trigonometric identities. The amplitude is given by A=2a*sin(bx+π/6) and the wavelength is λ=2π/b. These values may vary depending on the x coordinate and time.
  • #1
dlc_iii

Homework Statement


The equations for two waves traveling along the same string are $$f_1(x,t)=a\sin(bx-qt)$$ and $$f_2(x,t)=a\sin(bx+qt+\frac{1}{3}\pi),$$ with $$a=3.00\times 10^{-2},b=4\pi m^{-1},$$ and $$q=500s^{-1}$$. (a) Calculate the amplitude and wavelength of the resultant displacement of the string at t=3.00s

Homework Equations


$$f(x,t)=f_1(x,t)+f_2(x,t)$$
$$\sin(\alpha)+\sin(\beta)=2\sin\frac{1}{2}(\alpha+\beta)\cos\frac{1}{2}(\alpha-\beta)$$
$$\cos(\alpha)=\cos(-\alpha)$$
$$\lambda=\frac{2\pi}{k}$$

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm pretty sure that neither of the two things they are asking for depend on time, but I don't see why they'd give me the time like that if they didn't depend on time. I would answer $$A=2a\sin(bx+\frac{\pi}{6})$$ through superposition and then trig identity simplification and $$\lambda=\frac{2\pi}{b}$$ just from the equation. Is this right?
 
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  • #2
They want the amplitude of the wave as a function of x. This will generally depend on time. For example, when the two waves interfere destructively, that amplitude is zero.
 

1. What is superposition of two waves on a string?

Superposition of two waves on a string is a phenomenon in which two waves traveling on the same string simultaneously combine to form a new wave. This new wave is the result of the algebraic sum of the individual waves at each point along the string.

2. How do you calculate the amplitude of a superposed wave?

The amplitude of a superposed wave can be calculated by adding the amplitudes of the individual waves at each point along the string. If the amplitudes are in opposite directions, they will cancel each other out, resulting in a smaller amplitude. If the amplitudes are in the same direction, they will add up, resulting in a larger amplitude.

3. What is the formula for calculating the wavelength of a superposed wave?

The formula for calculating the wavelength of a superposed wave is λ = v/f, where λ is the wavelength, v is the velocity of the wave, and f is the frequency of the wave. This formula applies to all types of waves, including waves on a string.

4. Can the wavelength of a superposed wave be longer or shorter than the individual wavelengths?

Yes, the wavelength of a superposed wave can be longer or shorter than the individual wavelengths. This is because the wavelength is determined by the distance between two consecutive points of the same phase, and when two waves combine, the points of the same phase can be at different locations along the string.

5. How does the amplitude and wavelength of the individual waves affect the superposed wave?

The amplitude of the superposed wave will be affected by the amplitudes of the individual waves, as mentioned in question 2. The wavelength of the superposed wave will be affected by the wavelengths of the individual waves, as mentioned in question 4. Additionally, the phase difference between the two individual waves will also affect the resulting superposed wave.

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