What is the Velocity and Acceleration of a Transverse Wave on a Stretched Cord?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity and acceleration of a transverse wave on a stretched cord under specific conditions. The parameters include a frequency of 250 Hz, amplitude of 2.6 cm, tension of 140 N, and linear density of 0.12 kg/m. The calculated wave velocity is 34 m/s, but the correct particle velocity at 2.0 seconds is 41 m/s when incorporating a phase angle into the wave equation. The phase angle is essential for accurately determining the particle's velocity due to the initial displacement and velocity conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM)
  • Familiarity with wave mechanics and wave equations
  • Knowledge of tension and linear density in wave propagation
  • Ability to manipulate trigonometric functions in physics equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn about phase angles in wave equations
  • Study the derivation of wave velocity from tension and linear density
  • Explore the effects of amplitude and frequency on wave behavior
  • Investigate the relationship between wave properties and particle motion
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, as well as educators and anyone involved in teaching or learning about transverse waves and their properties.

Eternal Sky
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Homework Statement


The left-hand end of a long horizontal stretched cord oscillates transversely in SHM with frequency f = 250 Hz and amplitude 2.6 cm. The cord is under a tension of 140 N and has a linear density [tex]\mu[/tex] = 0.12 kg/m. At t = 0, the end of the cord has an upward displacement 1.6 cm and is falling. What is the velocity and acceleration at t = 2.0 seconds at a point on the string that is 1.00 m from the left-hand end?



Homework Equations


[tex]v_{y} = -D_{M} \omega \cos (kx - \omega t)[/tex]

[tex]v = \sqrt{\frac{F_{T}}{\mu}}[/tex]

[tex]v = \lambda f[/tex]



The Attempt at a Solution


I determined the wave velocity using the equation,
[tex]v = \sqrt{\frac{F_{T}}{\mu}} = \sqrt{\frac{140 N}{.12 kg/m}} = 34 m/s[/tex]

I used this to find the wavelength [tex]\lambda[/tex],

[tex]\lambda = \frac{v}{f} = \frac{34 m/s}{250 Hz} = 0.14 m[/tex]

So, in the equation for the velocity of the particle,

[tex]k = \frac{2\pi}{\lambda} = 45/m[/tex]

[tex]\omega = 2\pi f = 1570/s[/tex]

Therefore, the equation for the particle velocity should be,

[tex]v = -(0.026 m)(1570/s)\cos[(45/m)(1.00 m) - (1570/s)(2.0 s)][/tex]
[tex]v = 35 m/s[/tex]

However, the book says that the answer is 41 m/s. Can someone tell me what I am doing wrong? Any help would be appreciated.
 
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Eternal Sky said:

Homework Equations


[tex]v_{y} = -D_{M} \omega \cos (kx - \omega t)[/tex]

Since initially, at x=0, the displacement is neither zero nor at a maximum, this equation should be modified to include a phase, i.e.

cos(kx - ωt + φ)

Use the initial displacement and velocity at x=0 to determine φ.

Looks like you have the right idea otherwise.
 
Yes, adding the phase angle made everything work out correctly.

Thanks for your help!
 

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