Related Formula
- Wave function (moving along +x$+x$ direction) with a peak at x=0, t=0$x=0, t=0$:
y(x, t) = A (kx - ω t)$$y(x, t) = A \cos(kx - \omega t)$$
k = (2π)/(λ)$$k = \frac{2\pi}{\lambda}$$
v = (ω)/(k)$$v = \frac{\omega}{k}$$
Core Logic
Given parameters:
k = (2π)/(7.5) = (20π)/(75) = (4π)/(15) ≈ 0.838 rad/cm$$k = \frac{2\pi}{7.5} = \frac{20\pi}{75} = \frac{4\pi}{15} \approx 0.838 \ \mathrm{rad/cm}$$
v = (Δ x)/(Δ t) = (1.2)/(0.3) = 4 cm/s$$v = \frac{\Delta x}{\Delta t} = \frac{1.2}{0.3} = 4 \ \mathrm{cm/s}$$
- Angular frequency (ω$\omega$):
ω = v · k = 4 × (4π)/(15) = (16π)/(15) ≈ 3.35 rad/s$$\omega = v \cdot k = 4 \times \frac{4\pi}{15} = \frac{16\pi}{15} \approx 3.35 \ \mathrm{rad/s}$$
Since the crest is at x=0$x=0$ at t=0$t=0$, y(0,0) = 2 = A$y(0,0) = 2 = A$. This boundary condition demands a cosine function.
Step 1: Write wave equation
Substitute A$A$, k$k$, and ω$\omega$ into the standard form:
y(x, t) = 2 (0.83x - 3.35t) cm$$y(x, t) = 2 \cos(0.83x - 3.35t) \ \mathrm{cm}$$
This perfectly matches Option (1).
Pattern Recognition
Sees: Wavelength and speed to determine travelling wave equation.
Trap: Choosing sine instead of cosine. Since the crest (maximum displacement) is at x=0, t=0$x=0, t=0$, y(0,0)$y(0,0)$ must equal A$A$, which is satisfied only by the cosine function.
Shortcut: Calculate k = 2π / 7.5 ≈ 0.83$k = 2\pi / 7.5 \approx 0.83$. This immediately eliminates Options (3) and (4). Calculate speed v = 4$v = 4$, so ω = 4 × 0.83 ≈ 3.35$\omega = 4 \times 0.83 \approx 3.35$, which points directly to Option (1).
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Physics: Waves