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

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AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the wave speed of a transverse wave represented by the function y = 2.3 sin (1.90 x - 25.0t). The confusion arises from the relationship between angular frequency and wave speed, with the correct interpretation indicating that 25.0 is the angular frequency. Participants clarify that the wave equation should be rewritten to match the standard form, allowing for the calculation of wave speed. Ultimately, understanding the relationship between angular frequency and wave speed resolves the initial misunderstanding. The conversation emphasizes the importance of correctly identifying terms in wave equations for accurate calculations.
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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:

<br /> y = A \sin(k x -\omega t)<br />

<br /> y = A \sin[ k (x-vt)]<br />

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:

<br /> y = A \sin(k x -\omega t)<br />

<br /> y = A \sin[ k (x-vt)]<br />

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 \omega you can find how v and \omega are related. It's really the same thing either way you solve it.)
 
Ah! Got it! Thank you! =D
 
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