Question

A transverse harmonic wave on a string is described by


Where x and y are in cm and t in s. The positive direction of x is from left to right.

(a) Is this a travelling wave or a stationary wave?

If it is travelling, what are the speed and direction of its propagation?

(b) What are its amplitude and frequency?

(c) What is the initial phase at the origin?

(d) What is the least distance between two successive crests in the wave?

Answer 1

Y = 3sin( 36t + 0.018x + π/4)
Compare this equation with
Y = Asin( wt + Kx + ∅)
A = 3 cm
w = 36
K = 0.018
∅ = π/4

Speed of wave (V) = w/K = 36 /0.018 = 2000 cm/s
= 20 m/s
Frequency ( f) = w/2π
= 36/2π = 5.73 Hz

Amplitude , A = 3 cm

Phase angle ( ∅) = π/4

Wavelength = 2π/K
= 2π/0.018 = 348.88 cm
= 3.4888 m
= 3.49 m