Question
For the wave described in Exercise 15.8, plot the displacement (y) versus (t) graphs for x = 0, 2 and 4 cm. What are the shapes of these graphs? In which aspects does the oscillatory motion in travelling wave differ from one point to another: amplitude, frequency or phase?
Solution
All the waves have different phases.
The given transverse harmonic wave is,
Now, plotting y vs. t graphs using the different values of t, as listed in the given table
For x = 0, x = 2, and x = 4, the phases of the three waves will get changed.
This is because amplitude and frequency are invariant for any change in x.
The position-time plots of the three waves are shown in the given figure.
The given transverse harmonic wave is,
Now, plotting y vs. t graphs using the different values of t, as listed in the given table
| t(s) | 0 | T/8 | 2T/8 | 3T/8 | 4T/8 | 5T/8 | 6T/8 | 7T/8 |
| y (cm) |  |
3 |  |
0 | - |
-3 | - |
0 |
For x = 0, x = 2, and x = 4, the phases of the three waves will get changed.
This is because amplitude and frequency are invariant for any change in x.
The position-time plots of the three waves are shown in the given figure.
