What is the value of ω for the following wave?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Eitan Levy
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Value Wave
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the value of ω in the context of a wave equation, specifically in relation to a multi-dimensional harmonic wave represented by the function u(x,y,z,t)=Asin(kx−ωt+ϕ). Participants are examining the coefficients and units associated with the wave equation provided.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the value of ω, with one asserting a value based on the coefficient of t, while another presents a different answer. There are inquiries about the units of the answers and the values of parameters a and b. Some participants express confusion regarding the dependence of the sine function's argument on multiple variables.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the correct value of ω, with participants providing insights and questioning assumptions. Some guidance has been offered regarding the expression of the wave and its dependence on the medium, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

No units were provided in the original question, which may be contributing to the confusion. The nature of the wave's propagation and the medium's characteristics are also under consideration.

Eitan Levy
Messages
259
Reaction score
11
Homework Statement
There is an electromagnetic wave with a magnetic component equal to:

Bsin(ax+by-3*sqrt(5)*10^6*t)(2x/3-y/3-2z/3) (The second set of parentheses represent the direction of the wave)

What is ω for this wave?
Relevant Equations
ω=kv
I am quite confused by this. I was sure that ω=3*sqrt(5)*10^6, because that is the coefficient of t, and generally u(x,y,z,t)=Asin(kx−ωt+ϕ) for a multi dimensional harmonic wave.

However in the answers it is said that ω=3*sqrt(5)*10^14. I can't see the reason for that, could anyone explain please?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What are the units in the answer that is given to you? What are the units in the answer that you think is correct? Do you have numbers and units for a and b?
 
kuruman said:
What are the units in the answer that is given to you? What are the units in the answer that you think is correct? Do you have numbers and units for a and b?
No units were provided. The question is exactly what I wrote.
 
Eitan Levy said:
Bsin(ax+by-3*sqrt(5)*10^6*t)(2x/3-y/3-2z/3) (The second set of parentheses represent the direction of the wave)
So using the LaTeX Guide at the bottom of the edit window, is this your expression?

$$ B sin(ax + by - 3\sqrt5 10^6 t) (\frac{2}{3}\hat x - \frac{1}{3} \hat y - \frac{2}{3} \hat z)$$

If so, it seems strange that the argument to the sin() function is dependent on x and y and t. But maybe I'm missing something... Maybe the medium that the wave is propagating though is non-isotropic?
 
berkeman said:
So using the LaTeX Guide at the bottom of the edit window, is this your expression?

$$ B sin(ax + by - 3\sqrt5 10^6 t) (\frac{2}{3}\hat x - \frac{1}{3} \hat y - \frac{2}{3} \hat z)$$

If so, it seems strange that the argument to the sin() function is dependent on x and y and t. But maybe I'm missing something... Maybe the medium that the wave is propagating though is non-isotropic?

It is and there was a mistake in the answers.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman
berkeman said:
So using the LaTeX Guide at the bottom of the edit window, is this your expression?

$$ B sin(ax + by - 3\sqrt5 10^6 t) (\frac{2}{3}\hat x - \frac{1}{3} \hat y - \frac{2}{3} \hat z)$$

If so, it seems strange that the argument to the sin() function is dependent on x and y and t. But maybe I'm missing something... Maybe the medium that the wave is propagating though is non-isotropic?
The expression is probably a special case of $$\vec B(\vec r,t)=\vec B_0\sin(\vec k\cdot\vec r-\omega t)$$with ##k_x=a## and ##k_y=b##. Of course the values of ##a## and ##b## must be adjusted to ensure that the given direction of the field is orthogonal to the direction of propagation.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
10K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
752