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Ch 15: Mechanical Waves
Young & Freedman Calc - University Physics 15th Edition
Young & Freedman Calc15th EditionUniversity PhysicsISBN: 9780135159552Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 15, Problem 40d

The wave function of a standing wave is y(x,t)=4.44 mmsin[(32.5 rad/m)x]sin[(754rad/s)t]y(x,t)=4.44\(\text{ mm}\]\sin\)[(32.5\(\text{ rad/m}\))x]\(\sin\)[(754\(\text{rad/s}\))t]. For the two traveling waves that make up this standing wave, find the wave speed.

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1
Understand that a standing wave is formed by the superposition of two traveling waves moving in opposite directions. The given wave function is y(x, t) = 4.44 mm sin[(32.5 rad/m)x] sin[(754 rad/s)t].
Identify the wave number (k) and angular frequency (ω) from the wave function. Here, k = 32.5 rad/m and ω = 754 rad/s.
Recall the relationship between wave speed (v), wave number (k), and angular frequency (ω). The wave speed v is given by the formula: v = ω / k.
Substitute the values of ω and k into the formula: v = 754 rad/s / 32.5 rad/m.
Perform the division to find the wave speed, ensuring units are consistent to obtain the speed in meters per second (m/s).

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Standing Waves

Standing waves are formed by the superposition of two traveling waves moving in opposite directions with the same frequency and amplitude. They are characterized by nodes, where the wave amplitude is zero, and antinodes, where the amplitude is maximum. Understanding the formation and properties of standing waves is crucial for analyzing the given wave function.
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Intro to Transverse Standing Waves

Wave Function

The wave function describes the displacement of a wave at any point in space and time. In the given problem, the wave function y(x, t) = 4.44 mm sin[(32.5 rad/m)x] sin[(754 rad/s)t] represents a standing wave, where the spatial and temporal components are separated, indicating the wave's behavior in space and time. This separation helps identify the characteristics of the traveling waves involved.
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Wave Speed

Wave speed is the rate at which a wave propagates through a medium, calculated as the product of frequency and wavelength. For traveling waves forming a standing wave, the wave speed can be determined using the angular frequency (ω = 754 rad/s) and the wave number (k = 32.5 rad/m) from the wave function. The formula v = ω/k provides the wave speed, essential for solving the problem.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

A horizontal string tied at both ends is vibrating in its fundamental mode. The traveling waves have speed vv, frequency ff, amplitude AA, and wavelength λ\(\lambda\). Calculate the maximum transverse velocity and maximum transverse acceleration of points located at (i) x=λ/2x = λ/2, (ii) x=λ/4x = λ/4, and (iii) x=λ/8x = λ/8, from the left-hand end of the string.

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Textbook Question

The wave function of a standing wave is y(x,t)=4.44 mmsin[(32.5 rad/m)x]sin[(754rad/s)t]y(x,t)=4.44\(\text{ mm}\]\sin\)[(32.5\(\text{ rad/m}\))x]\(\sin\)[(754\(\text{rad/s}\))t]. For the two traveling waves that make up this standing wave, find the frequency.

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Textbook Question

One string of a certain musical instrument is 75.0 cm long and has a mass of 8.75 g. It is being played in a room where the speed of sound is 344 m/s. (a) To what tension must you adjust the string so that, when vibrating in its second overtone, it produces sound of wavelength 0.765 m? (Assume that the break-ing stress of the wire is very large and isn't exceeded.) (b) What frequency sound does this string produce in its fundamental mode of vibration?

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Textbook Question

The wave function of a standing wave is y(x,t)=4.44 mmsin[(32.5 rad/m)x]sin[(754rad/s)t]y(x,t)=4.44\(\text{ mm}\]\sin\)[(32.5\(\text{ rad/m}\))x]\(\sin\)[(754\(\text{rad/s}\))t]. For the two traveling waves that make up this standing wave, find the wavelength.

1
views
Textbook Question

The wave function of a standing wave is y(x,t)=4.44 mmsin[(32.5 rad/m)x]sin[(754rad/s)t]y(x,t)=4.44\(\text{ mm}\]\sin\)[(32.5\(\text{ rad/m}\))x]\(\sin\)[(754\(\text{rad/s}\))t]. For the two traveling waves that make up this standing wave, find the amplitude.

1
views
Textbook Question

A horizontal string tied at both ends is vibrating in its fundamental mode. The traveling waves have speed vv, frequency ff, amplitude AA, and wavelength λ\(\lambda\). What is the amplitude of the motion at the points located at (i) x=λ/2x = λ/2, (ii) x=λ/4x = λ/4, and (iii) x=λ/8x = λ/8, from the left-hand end of the string?

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