What Could Be Wrong with My Wave Function Equation?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the correct formulation of the wave function for a simple harmonic oscillator generating a wave on a rope. The user initially derives the wave function as y(x,t)=3cos(8πx-80πt) but receives feedback indicating the equation is incorrect. Key points of confusion include the calculation of wavelength and ensuring the amplitude is expressed in meters rather than centimeters. The correct amplitude should be 0.03 m, and the user is prompted to clarify how they calculated the wavelength. The thread emphasizes the importance of unit conversion and accurate calculations in wave function equations.
lina29
Messages
84
Reaction score
0
A simple, harmonic oscillator at the point x=0 generates a wave on a rope. The oscillator operates at a frequency of 40 Hz and with an amplitude of 3.00 cm. The rope has a linear mass density of 50.0 g/m and is stretched with a tension of 4.50 N.

Write the wave function y(x,t) for the wave moving in +x-direction. Assume that the oscillator has its maximum upward displacement at time t=0.

I know to write the wave function I use the equation y(x,t)=Acos(kx-wt)
where A=3, k=2pi/\lambda=8pi, w=2pif=80pi

So I got the equation y(x,t)=3cos(8pi x-80pi t)

However when I put it in it says the equation is wrong

Can anyone help me in figuring out what I missed?
Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How did you calculate the wavelength?
 
Make sure the amplitude is in meters, so 0.03 should be the amplitude
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Wave function - displacement - transverse wave
Replies
3
Views
2K
Reflection and Transmission of String Waves
Replies
8
Views
1K
Find the intensity as function of y (interference between two propagating waves)
Replies
3
Views
2K
What units for the wave function of a string?
Replies
1
Views
934
How Do Different Equations Affect the Initial Direction of a Traveling Wave?
Replies
27
Views
3K
Determining Parameters of a Transverse Harmonic Wave
Replies
3
Views
2K
How do i know what a function describe a wave?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Is D(x,t) = ln(ax+bt) a solution to the wave function?
Replies
9
Views
4K
Uncertainties For Wave Packets
Replies
4
Views
901
Superposition of two one-dimensional harmonic waves
Replies
10
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top