What is the wave speed of a transverse wave with given parameters?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the wave speed of a transverse wave represented by a specific mathematical function. The wave function provided includes parameters for amplitude, wave number, and angular frequency, which are relevant to the study of wave mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the wave speed formula but expresses confusion regarding the result. Some participants question the correctness of the equation format used by the original poster and suggest rewriting it to match standard forms. Others discuss the relationship between angular frequency and wave speed.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, providing clarifications on wave equations and exploring different approaches to relate the given parameters. There is a productive exchange of ideas, although the original poster's understanding remains incomplete.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of an answer sheet that presents the wave equation in a specific format, which may be causing confusion for the original poster. The discussion reflects an exploration of how to equate terms from the given wave function to derive the wave speed.

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Homework Statement


A transverse wave is represented by the function y = 2.3 sin (1.90 x - 25.0t) meters where y, x and t are in meters, meters and seconds respectively. Determine the wave speed in m/s.


Homework Equations


x = A_0 sin (kx - vt)


The Attempt at a Solution


If it's asking for the wave speed, and according to the formula, the wave speed should be 25 m/s and yet the answer is not that. I don't understand what exactly I'm not getting or how I should proceed from here. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
 
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HI Hibiscus,

The equation that you have in section 2 does not look right. Here are two forms for the wave equation:

[tex] y = A \sin(k x -\omega t)[/tex]

[tex] y = A \sin[ k (x-vt)][/tex]

The equation they give matches the first form, so 25 is the angular frequency.
 
alphysicist said:
HI Hibiscus,

The equation that you have in section 2 does not look right. Here are two forms for the wave equation:

[tex] y = A \sin(k x -\omega t)[/tex]

[tex] y = A \sin[ k (x-vt)][/tex]

The equation they give matches the first form, so 25 is the angular frequency.

Ah. I guess I put it wrong. In the answer sheet, the form you gave is the way in which it appears. It says, y = A_o sin (k (x - vt) and then it says to equate the terms. And I still don't understand how.
 
So you're given y=2.3 sin (1.90 x - 25.0t)

Rewrite it so it fits the form y = A sin[ k (x - v t) ]

So what do you have to do to (1.9 x - 25.0 t) to get it in the form

k ( x - v t)


(Or since you know [itex]\omega[/itex] you can find how v and [itex]\omega[/itex] are related. It's really the same thing either way you solve it.)
 
Ah! Got it! Thank you! =D
 

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