Wavelength of particle motion

In summary, the conversation discusses two parametric equations for the speed of a particle in a plane, with the period equal to \Omega. The question at hand is how to find the wavelength of the motion, which can be calculated using \lambda = \Omega v where v is the speed. However, there is some confusion as to whether \Omega is the period or the angular velocity. It is stated that the motion is periodic with period \Omega, but \Omega as a period may be incorrect since it is typically used as the angular velocity. The question remains unanswered.
  • #1
Logarythmic
281
0
I have two parametric equations for the speed of a particle in a plane:

[tex]\dot{x}(t) = A \left( 1 - cos{\Omega t} \right)[/tex]
[tex]\dot{y}(t) = A sin{\Omega t}[/tex]

The period is equal to [itex]\Omega[/itex]. How do I find the wavelength of the motion?


The wavelength is just [itex] \lambda = \Omega v [/itex], where [itex]v = \sqrt{\dot{x}^2 + \dot{y}^2}[/itex] is the speed, right? But then the wavelength is not time invariant. Could my answer

[tex]\lambda = \Omega A \left( 2 - 2cos{\Omega t} \right)^{1/2}[/tex]

really be correct?
 
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  • #2
Here omega is not the period, but the angular velocity = 2pi/T where T is the period.
 
  • #3
I thought about that too, but it's stated in the problem that the motion is periodic with period [itex]\Omega[/itex]. Anyway, my question still remains.
 
  • #4
Logarythmic said:
I thought about that too, but it's stated in the problem that the motion is periodic with period [itex]\Omega[/itex]. Anyway, my question still remains.
Is this problem in a textbook, or was it given by a professor or teacher?

[itex]\Omega[/itex] as a period would seem to be incorrect since normally the arguments of sine and cosine are dimensionless, which is consistent with rl.bhat's comment.
 

What is the wavelength of particle motion?

The wavelength of particle motion refers to the distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs in a wave. It is typically measured in meters (m) or nanometers (nm).

How is the wavelength of particle motion related to the frequency of a wave?

The wavelength of particle motion and the frequency of a wave are inversely proportional, meaning that as one increases, the other decreases. This relationship is described by the equation: wavelength = speed of wave / frequency.

What factors affect the wavelength of particle motion?

The wavelength of particle motion is affected by the medium through which the wave is traveling, as well as the frequency and speed of the wave. In general, waves travel faster through denser mediums and have shorter wavelengths at higher frequencies.

What is the difference between longitudinal and transverse waves in terms of wavelength of particle motion?

In a longitudinal wave, the particles of the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave, resulting in a compression and rarefaction pattern. In a transverse wave, the particles vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave, resulting in crests and troughs. The wavelength of particle motion is measured differently for these two types of waves, but the relationship between wavelength and frequency remains the same.

How is the wavelength of particle motion used in practical applications?

The wavelength of particle motion is an important concept in fields such as acoustics, optics, and telecommunications. It is used to determine the characteristics of waves and how they interact with different mediums, which is crucial in developing technologies such as microscopes, lasers, and wireless communication devices.

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