A transverse sinusoidal wave on a taut string is described

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Waves · Waves

Problem

A transverse sinusoidal wave on a taut string is described, at the instant t=0t = 0, by the equation y(x,0)=3.0 sin⁡(2πx0.40) cmy(x,0)=3.0\,\sin\left(\frac{2\pi x}{0.40}\right)\,\text{cm}, where xx is measured in metres. (i) Define the following terms for a transverse wave: amplitude, wavelength, crest and trough. (ii) Using only the given expression, determine the numerical values of the amplitude and wavelength of the wave. (iii) Draw one complete graph of displacement yy versus position xx for the range 0≤x≤0.40 m0 \le x \le 0.40\,\text{m}. Clearly label the crests, troughs and the amplitude on your sketch. (iv) If, instead of plotting displacement against position, you were to plot displacement against time for a fixed point on the string, explain qualitatively how the shape of the graph would compare with the graph obtained in part (iii).

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