Mechanical Waves: Understanding Force & Motion

[Craig113]

This is a question about mechanical waves. As i understand it, there can be many different types of mechanical waves, but its is not allways necessary to actually make a physically motion of one harmonic oscillator (a particle, or a part of the medium that the mechanic waves travels throw) to start or hinder a mechanical wave. The force spreads throw the medium even if the physical motion of the harmonic oscillators is somehow hinderd. And the physical motion of the mechanical wave will come back once the obstacle have been passed. Let my me try to further explain what i mean with a picture
!-----! -> this is the wave moving in the direction of the arrow
___! !______0000000000________ the zeros 000 are obstacles


!----- -! -> this is what will happen
___0000000__ __! !______



Am i right? And why does this happen? Is it because the force or power traveling throw the medium treavels between the atoms and molecules of the harmonic oscillators once the actuall motion of the oscillators in not possible?

 

[Craig113]

Come on, answer please. If you don't understand what i mean with the question, don't hesitate to ask me to be more precise! The question is again: Can a mechanical wave travel through some kind of physical abstacle that temporerly stops the physical movment of the wave to resume its motion again after it has passed through that abstacle?

I think the ansewer to that question is yes. It it couldn't it wouldn't be possible for smal mechanical waves to pass eatch other without chaning apperance. I also want to know exacly how this happens. How can power or force travel through the medium when the harmonic oscillators are unable to move? Does it travel through the medium by affecting the atoms and the molecules of the oscillator that then affect eatch other? I am wainting anxiously for your response.
Best regards.

 

[charng]

I can confirm that your understanding of mechanical waves is correct. Mechanical waves do not necessarily require physical motion of the harmonic oscillators to propagate through a medium. The force or power of the wave is able to travel through the medium, even if the physical motion of the oscillators is hindered. This is because the force is able to transfer between the atoms and molecules of the medium, allowing the wave to continue moving.

This phenomenon is known as wave propagation and is a fundamental concept in the study of mechanical waves. It is caused by the transfer of energy from one particle to another in the medium, without the particles themselves moving significantly. This is why the wave is able to continue moving even if there are obstacles in its path.

The exact mechanism of wave propagation may vary depending on the type of mechanical wave, but the underlying principle remains the same. Understanding wave propagation is crucial in understanding how mechanical waves behave and interact with their surroundings. I hope this helps to further clarify your understanding of mechanical waves and their relationship with force and motion.