Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 20 - Traveling Waves - Exercises and Problems - Page 587: 40

Answer

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Work Step by Step

$$\bf a)$$ The given function represents a pulse with a constant shape that moves to the right. $$ D_{(x,t)}=\begin{cases} 1\rm \;cm& \text{ if } |x-3t|\leq 1 \\ 0\rm \;cm& \text{ if } |x-3t|\gt 1 \end{cases}$$ Noting that, At $t=0\rightarrow $, $(-1\leq x\leq 1)$ At $t=1\rightarrow $, $(2\leq x\leq 4)$ At $t=2\rightarrow $, $(5\leq x\leq 7)$ At $t=3\rightarrow $, $(8\leq x\leq 10)$ See the graphs below. $$\bf b)$$ To find the wave speed, we can watch the leading edge of it. It is obvious that the leading edge is moving 3 meters each second. $$v=\color{red}{\bf 3}\;\rm m/s$$ $$\bf c)$$ We need to find the speed of the wave, from the given function, $$|x-3t|=D(x-vt)$$ Thus, $$v=3\;\rm m/s$$ Hence, yes, it agrees with part b. ----
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