Practice question
Question
A wave is described by \( y(x, t) = 0.04 \sin (20x - 50t) \), where \( x \) and \( y \) are in meters
and \( t \) in seconds. What is the wavelength of the wave?
Explanation
**Wave equation** y(x,t) = A sin(kx - ωt + φ) describes displacement of progressive harmonic wave, where k = 2π/λ wave number (rad/m), ω = 2πf angular frequency (rad/s), v = ω/k wave speed (m/s). Sign of ωt indicates direction, amplitude A is maximum displacement. Compare with y = a sin (kx - ω t) , k = 20 rad/m . Wavelength: λ = (2π/k) = (2π/20) = 0.314 m . Using v = fλ and standing-wave condition fₙ = n v/(2L) or v/(4L) as applicable, calculation yields 0.314 m, illustrating frequency-length-speed interdependence and quantization by boundaries.
Discussion
Comments
Please log in to join the discussion.
Login to commentNo comments yet. Be the first to start the discussion.