Y displacements in sine wave at (x) and (x + 2 wavelengths)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of a sine wave traveling in the positive x direction, specifically examining the y displacements at two points: x = 20 m and x + 2 wavelengths (x = 25.7 m). The problem involves parameters such as wavelength, frequency, and wave properties, with the original poster noting a discrepancy in y displacements at these two points.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the sine wave equation and its application to the given points. The original poster attempts to calculate y displacements using the sine function but questions why the results differ. Others suggest rewriting the wave equation and manipulating variables to clarify the situation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided alternative formulations of the wave equation and attempted to clarify the calculations involved. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationship between the variables and the implications of the wave's properties, but no consensus has been reached regarding the discrepancies noted by the original poster.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with specific values for amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and time, but there are indications of confusion regarding the application of these values in the context of the wave equation. The original poster also questions the interpretation of certain variables and their roles in the calculations.

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Homework Statement


A sine wave in + x direction with max amplitude of 1
wavelength= 2.85 m
wavenumber, k = 6.28/2.85 m = 2.2 rad/m
w=8rad/m
frequency=1.27 cyc/sec
vel.= 3.63 m/sec
at x = 20m t= 5.5 sec
at x + 2 wavelengths x= 25.7m t=7.07 sec
by definition the y displacement is the same at (x) as it is at (x + 2 wavelengths)


Homework Equations


y (x,t)= A sin(kx-wt)


The Attempt at a Solution


just considering y= Asin(kx) at x= 20m ,y= .0177
with y= Asin(k x+2 wavelengths) x= 25.7m, y=-.00866
with radian set calculator
I don't understand wht the y displacements are not the same

Also if the other variables are put into the solution A=Aosin(kx-wt)
then in both cases (kx-wt) =0 ?











Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



 
Last edited:
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equation of a moving in +x direction can be written as
y(x,t)= yo*sin2π(t/T - x/λ)
Here x = 20 m. It can be written as n*λ + x'. Similarly t can be written as n*T + t'
So 20 = 7*2.85 + x'. Or x' = 0.05 m.
T = 2π/8 = 0.785 s.
t' = T/λ*x' =...?
Rewrite the equation as
y(x,t)= yo*sin2π(t'/T - x'/λ) and solve for y.
 
thanks i cleared up my confusion with the correct values; with y=yo(sin2pi) x/wl -t/T
at t=0
x=20m
wavelengh =2.85m
T=.785s
y=yo(sin2pi) x/wavelength y= sin44.07= .087
then after wave travels two wavelengths
x=25.7 m
t=2T = 1.57s

y=yo (sin2pi) 25.7m/2.85m - 1.57s/.785s =sin44.07=.087 checks out with above

actually in your reply above i don't see how x' = .05m since two wavelenths is 5.7m
 
Last edited:
As I have indicated, the equation of wave moving in the positive x direction is
y = yo*sin[2π(t/T - x/λ)]
I presume, in the problem x , velocity. frequency, wavelength and yo is given.
So the dispalcement y at x = 20 m can be found by
y = sin[2π(5.5/0.785 - 20/2.85)]
Now find y.
 
Last edited:

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