What is the Velocity and Acceleration of a Transverse Wave on a Stretched Cord?

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of the velocity and acceleration of a particle on a stretched cord undergoing SHM. The wave velocity and wavelength are determined using the formula v = √(FT/μ) and λ = v/f. The equation for the velocity of the particle is then modified to include a phase angle, and the initial displacement and velocity at x=0 are used to determine the angle. The final answer is 41 m/s.
  • #1
Eternal Sky
8
0

Homework Statement


The left-hand end of a long horizontal stretched cord oscillates transversely in SHM with frequency f = 250 Hz and amplitude 2.6 cm. The cord is under a tension of 140 N and has a linear density [tex]\mu[/tex] = 0.12 kg/m. At t = 0, the end of the cord has an upward displacement 1.6 cm and is falling. What is the velocity and acceleration at t = 2.0 seconds at a point on the string that is 1.00 m from the left-hand end?



Homework Equations


[tex]v_{y} = -D_{M} \omega \cos (kx - \omega t)[/tex]

[tex]v = \sqrt{\frac{F_{T}}{\mu}}[/tex]

[tex]v = \lambda f[/tex]



The Attempt at a Solution


I determined the wave velocity using the equation,
[tex]v = \sqrt{\frac{F_{T}}{\mu}} = \sqrt{\frac{140 N}{.12 kg/m}} = 34 m/s[/tex]

I used this to find the wavelength [tex]\lambda[/tex],

[tex]\lambda = \frac{v}{f} = \frac{34 m/s}{250 Hz} = 0.14 m[/tex]

So, in the equation for the velocity of the particle,

[tex]k = \frac{2\pi}{\lambda} = 45/m[/tex]

[tex]\omega = 2\pi f = 1570/s[/tex]

Therefore, the equation for the particle velocity should be,

[tex]v = -(0.026 m)(1570/s)\cos[(45/m)(1.00 m) - (1570/s)(2.0 s)][/tex]
[tex]v = 35 m/s[/tex]

However, the book says that the answer is 41 m/s. Can someone tell me what I am doing wrong? Any help would be appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Eternal Sky said:

Homework Equations


[tex]v_{y} = -D_{M} \omega \cos (kx - \omega t)[/tex]

Since initially, at x=0, the displacement is neither zero nor at a maximum, this equation should be modified to include a phase, i.e.

cos(kx - ωt + φ)

Use the initial displacement and velocity at x=0 to determine φ.

Looks like you have the right idea otherwise.
 
  • #3
Yes, adding the phase angle made everything work out correctly.

Thanks for your help!
 

Related to What is the Velocity and Acceleration of a Transverse Wave on a Stretched Cord?

1. What is transverse wave velocity?

Transverse wave velocity is the speed at which a transverse wave travels through a medium. It is the distance traveled by the wave per unit time.

2. How is transverse wave velocity calculated?

Transverse wave velocity can be calculated by dividing the distance traveled by the wave by the time it takes to travel that distance. This is represented by the equation v = d/t, where v is the velocity, d is the distance, and t is the time.

3. What factors affect transverse wave velocity?

The velocity of a transverse wave is affected by the properties of the medium through which it travels, such as density, elasticity, and temperature. It is also affected by the frequency and wavelength of the wave.

4. How is transverse wave velocity different from longitudinal wave velocity?

Transverse wave velocity refers to the velocity of a wave that moves perpendicular to the direction of propagation, while longitudinal wave velocity refers to the velocity of a wave that moves parallel to the direction of propagation. The calculations and factors affecting these velocities may also differ.

5. Can the velocity of a transverse wave change?

Yes, the velocity of a transverse wave can change depending on the medium it travels through. Different materials have different properties that can affect the velocity of the wave. For example, a wave will travel faster through a denser medium compared to a less dense medium.

Similar threads

  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
957
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
978
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
874
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
609
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
989
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
0
Views
709
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
5K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
2K
Back
Top