# 16.2 Mathematics of waves

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By the end of this section, you will be able to:
• Model a wave, moving with a constant wave velocity, with a mathematical expression
• Calculate the velocity and acceleration of the medium
• Show how the velocity of the medium differs from the wave velocity (propagation velocity)

In the previous section, we described periodic waves by their characteristics of wavelength, period, amplitude, and wave speed of the wave. Waves can also be described by the motion of the particles of the medium through which the waves move. The position of particles of the medium can be mathematically modeled as wave function     s , which can be used to find the position, velocity, and acceleration of the particles of the medium of the wave at any time.

## Pulses

A pulse    can be described as wave consisting of a single disturbance that moves through the medium with a constant amplitude. The pulse moves as a pattern that maintains its shape as it propagates with a constant wave speed. Because the wave speed is constant, the distance the pulse moves in a time $\text{Δ}t$ is equal to $\text{Δ}x=v\text{Δ}t$ ( [link] ).

## Modeling a one-dimensional sinusoidal wave using a wave function

Consider a string kept at a constant tension ${F}_{T}$ where one end is fixed and the free end is oscillated between $y=\text{+}A$ and $y=\text{−}A$ by a mechanical device at a constant frequency. [link] shows snapshots of the wave at an interval of an eighth of a period, beginning after one period $\left(t=T\right).$

Notice that each select point on the string (marked by colored dots) oscillates up and down in simple harmonic motion, between $y=+A$ and $y=\text{−}A,$ with a period T . The wave on the string is sinusoidal and is translating in the positive x -direction as time progresses.

At this point, it is useful to recall from your study of algebra that if f ( x ) is some function, then $f\left(x-d\right)$ is the same function translated in the positive x -direction by a distance d . The function $f\left(x+d\right)$ is the same function translated in the negative x -direction by a distance d . We want to define a wave function that will give the y -position of each segment of the string for every position x along the string for every time t .

Looking at the first snapshot in [link] , the y -position of the string between $x=0$ and $x=\lambda$ can be modeled as a sine function. This wave propagates down the string one wavelength in one period, as seen in the last snapshot. The wave therefore moves with a constant wave speed of $v=\lambda \text{/}T.$

Recall that a sine function is a function of the angle $\theta$ , oscillating between $\text{+}1$ and $-1$ , and repeating every $2\pi$ radians ( [link] ). However, the y -position of the medium, or the wave function, oscillates between $\text{+}A$ and $\text{−}A$ , and repeats every wavelength $\lambda$ .

Suppose the master cylinder in a hydraulic system is at a greater height than the cylinder it is controlling. Explain how this will affect the force produced at the cylinder that is being controlled.
Why is popo less than atmospheric? Why is popo greater than pipi?
Louise
The old rubber boot shown below has two leaks. To what maximum height can the water squirt from Leak 1? How does the velocity of water emerging from Leak 2 differ from that of Leak 1? Explain your responses in terms of energy.
Louise
David rolled down the window on his car while driving on the freeway. An empty plastic bag on the floor promptly flew out the window. Explain why.
the pressure differential exerted a force on the bag greater than the gravitational force holding it on the floor.
gtitboi
what is angular velocity
The rate of change in angular displacement is defined as angular velocity.
Manorama
a length of copper wire was measured to be 50m with an uncertainty of 1cm, the thickness of the wire was measured to be 1mm with an uncertainty of 0.01mm, using a micrometer screw gauge, calculate the of copper wire used
Mustapha
If centripetal force is directed towards the center,why do you feel that you're thrown away from the center as a car goes around a curve? Explain
if there is a centripetal force it means that there's also a centripetal acceleration, getting back to your question, just imagine what happens if you pull out of a car when it's quickly moving or when you try to stop when you are running fast, anyway, we notice that there's always a certain force..
Lindomar
... that tends to fight for its previous direction when you try to attribute to it an opposite one ou try to stop it.The same thing also happens whe a car goes around a curve, the car it self is designed to a"straight line"(look at the position of its tyres, mainly the back side ones), so...
Lindomar
... whenever it goes around a curve, it tends to throw away its the occupiers, it's given to the fact that it must interrupt its initial direction and take a new one.
Lindomar
Which kind of wave does wind form
calculate the distance you will travel if you mantain an average speed of 10N m/s for 40 second
400m/s
Feng
hw to calculate the momentum of the 2000.0 elephant change hunter at a speed of 7.50 m/s
how many cm makes 1 inches
2.5
omwoyo
2.54cm=1inche
omwoyo
how do we convert from m/s to km/hr
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density of a subtance is given as 360g/cm,put it in it s.i unit form
if m2 is twice of m1. find the ration of kinetic energy in COM system to lab system of elastic collision
What is a volt equal to?