How does the phase of a wave change over time at a given position?

In summary, at a given time, the distance between points that differ in phase by 1.9 rad is 0.15 m; at a given position, the change in phase during an interval of 4.8 ms is 0.15 rad.
  • #1
yuihatano
2
0

Homework Statement


A 403 Hz wave travels at 200 m/s along a wire.

a)At a given time, the distance between points that differ in phase by 1.9 rad is ___ m.
b)At a given position, the change in phase during an interval of 4.8 ms is ___ rad.

Homework Equations


V=w/k
w=2pif

The Attempt at a Solution



I 've already solved for a), it was pretty straight forward. Now, I'm stuck on b)

w=2pif
=2pi*403
=806pi

v=w/k
k=w/v
=806pi/200
=4.03pi

delta phi = x/k
= 1.9/4.03pi
=0.15m
this was for number 1... now I'm stuck on b)
pls help...
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
The wave is periodic both in time and position. The displacement in a sine wave is

u=A*sin(2p(t/T-x/lambda)) or in other form u=A*sin(wt-kx),

with w=2pi/T and k=2pi/lambda.

The term 2pi(t/T-x/lambda)=wt-kx is the phase of the wave.

T is the time period and the period in space is lambda. At a given time t, two points which are lambda distance apart differ by 2pi in phase. At a certain position x, the phase changes by pi during T time interval.

You know the frequency f, so you know the time period T=1/f. The elapsed time is given, dt=4.8*10-3 s, what is the phase difference between t and t+dt?

ehild
 
  • #3
ehild said:
The wave is periodic both in time and position. The displacement in a sine wave is

u=A*sin(2p(t/T-x/lambda)) or in other form u=A*sin(wt-kx),

with w=2pi/T and k=2pi/lambda.

The term 2pi(t/T-x/lambda)=wt-kx is the phase of the wave.

T is the time period and the period in space is lambda. At a given time t, two points which are lambda distance apart differ by 2pi in phase. At a certain position x, the phase changes by pi during T time interval.

You know the frequency f, so you know the time period T=1/f. The elapsed time is given, dt=4.8*10-3 s, what is the phase difference between t and t+dt?

ehild

Thank you!
 

Related to How does the phase of a wave change over time at a given position?

What are mechanical waves?

Mechanical waves are a type of wave that require a medium, such as water or air, to travel through. They are created by a disturbance in the medium, which causes particles to vibrate and transfer energy.

What are the types of mechanical waves?

The two main types of mechanical waves are transverse waves and longitudinal waves. Transverse waves have particles that move perpendicular to the direction of the wave, while longitudinal waves have particles that move parallel to the direction of the wave.

What is the difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves?

The main difference between mechanical and electromagnetic waves is that mechanical waves require a medium to travel through, while electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum. Additionally, mechanical waves transfer energy through particle vibrations, whereas electromagnetic waves transfer energy through electric and magnetic fields.

How do mechanical waves travel?

Mechanical waves travel by causing particles in a medium to vibrate and transfer energy to neighboring particles. This creates a pattern of oscillations that move through the medium, carrying the wave energy.

What are some examples of mechanical waves?

Some examples of mechanical waves include sound waves, water waves, seismic waves, and waves on a string. These waves can also be categorized as either longitudinal or transverse based on the direction of particle movement.

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