PHYSICS Chapter 10

Learning Outcome:

10.1 Properties of waves (2 hours)

At the end of this chapter, students should be able to:
 Define amplitude, frequency, period, wavelength and
wave number.
CHAPTER 10:  Interpret and use equation for progressive wave,
Mechanical Waves y  x, t   A sin t  kx 
(3 Hours) dy
 Distinguish between particle vibrational velocity,v y 
and wave propagation velocity, v  f .  dt
 Sketch and interpret the graphs of
 i) displacement time, y-t
 ii) displacement-distance, y-x .

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PHYSICS Chapter 10

Overview:
10.3 Properties of waves
Mechanical waves 10.3.1 Sinusoidal Wave Parameters
 Figure 10.7 shows a periodic sinusoidal waveform.

Physical
Parameters: Types of waves
Superposition 
Of waves B C
 amplitude

 wavelength
Transverse Longitudinal Q
 wave number
waves waves P T
S
 frequency
Stationary

 period
wave
Interference 
Equation Graphical Figure 10.7
y  x, t   A sin t  kx  Representation
 y-t graph

 y-x graph 2 5

PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Wavelength,
 is defined as the distance between two consecutive particles
(points) which have the same phase in a wave.
 From the Figure 10.7,

 Particle B is in phase with particle C.

 Particle P is in phase with particle Q

 Particle S is in phase with particle T

Figure 10.1a  The S.I. unit of wavelength is metre (m).

Period, T
 is defined as the time taken for a particle (point) in the wave
to complete one cycle.
 In this period, T the wave profile moves a distance of one
wavelength,  . Thus
Figure 10.1b Period of the Period of the particle
wave = on the wave
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 PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

and 10.3.2 Equation of displacement for sinusoidal

progressive wave
1  Figure 10.9 shows a progressive wave profile moving to the
T  right.
f y (displacem ent)

 Its unit is second (s). A v
Frequency,  f y
 is defined as the number of cycles (wavelength) produced O x P x (distance from origin)
in one second.
 Its unit is hertz (Hz) or s1.
A
Figure 10.9
Amplitude,  A
 From the Figure 10.9, consider x = 0 as a reference particle,
 is defined as the maximum displacement from the
hence the equation of displacement for particle at x = 0 is given
equilibrium position to the crest or trough of the wave by
motion. y t   A sin t

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PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Wave speed, v  Therefore the general equation of displacement for sinusoidal

progressive wave is given by
 is defined as the distance travelled by a wave profile per unit
The wave propagates to the right :
time.


 Figure 10.8 shows a progressive wave profile moving to the
right.
y x, t   A sin t  kx
v The wave propagates to the left :

y x, t   A sin t  kx

Figure 10.8 
where y x,t  : displaceme nt of the particle as a
 It moves a distance of  in time T hence
function of x and t
distance  1 A : Amplitude of the wave
v v and T ω : angular frequency
time T f
k : wave number
v  f x : distance from the origin
t : time
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PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

 The S.I. unit of wave speed is m s1.  Some of the reference books, use other general equations of
 The value of wave speed is constant but the velocity of the displacement for sinusoidal progressive wave:
particles vibration in wave is varies with time, t The wave propagates to the right :
 It is because the particles executes SHM where the
equation of velocity for the particle, vy is y x, t   A sin kx  t 
v y  A cost    The wave propagates to the left :
Wave number, k
 is defined as 2 y x, t   A sin kx  t 
k

 The S.I. unit of wave number is m 1.
Displacement, y
 is defined as the distance moved by a particle from its
equilibrium position at every point along a wave.
Simulation 10.2
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 PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

10.3.3 Displacement graphs of the wave  For the particle at x = 0.25 , the equation of the particle is
 From the general equation of displacement for a sinusoidal given by
wave, 2
y  A sin t  kx y  A sin t  k 0.25  and k 

The displacement, y varies with time, t and distance, x.   2  
Graph of displacement, y against distance, x (y-x)
y  A sin t   0.25 
 The graph shows the displacement of all the particles in the     
wave at any particular time, t.  
 For example, consider the equation of the wave is
y  A sin  t  
 2
y  A sin t  kx hence the displacement-time graph is
y
At time, t = 0 , thus y  A sin  0  kx
A
y  A sin  kx
y   A sin kx 0 t
T T 3T 2T
A 2 2
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PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

 Thus the graph of displacement, y against distance, x is Example 10.1 :

A progressive wave is represented by the equation
y
y x, t   2 sin t  x 
A  t  t1 (curve D)
v where y and x are in centimetres and t in seconds.
t  0(curve C) a. Determine the angular frequency, the wavelength, the period,
0 x the frequency and the wave speed.
x1   x1 3 2 b. Sketch the displacement against distance graph for progressive
A 2 2 wave above in a range of 0 x   at time, t = 0 s.
c. repeat question (b) but for time, t = 0.5T.
 Curve C  the displacement of all particles at t = 0 s d. Sketch the displacement against time graph for the particle
 Curve D  the displacement of all particles at t = t1 after at x = 0 in a range of 0 t  T.
the wave propagates by distance x1. e. Sketch the displacement against time graph for the particle
at x = 0.5 in a range of 0 t  T.
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PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Graph of displacement, y against time, t (y-t) Solution :

 The graph shows the displacement of any one particle in the a. By comparing
wave at any particular distance, x from the origin.
 For example, consider the equation of the wave is
y x, t   2 sin t  x  with y x, t   A sin t  kx
y  A sin t  kx thus
 For the particle at x = 0, the equation of the particle is
i.    rad s 1
given by 1 2
ii. k   cm and k 
y  A sin t  k 0 y  A sin t  
hence the displacement-time graph is 2
y    2 cm

A iii. The period of the motion is
2 2
0 t  
T T 3T 2T T T
A 2 2 T  2s
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 PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Solution : Solution :
a. iv. The frequency of the wave is given by c. Therefore the graph of displacement, y against distance, x in
1 1 the range of 0 x   is
f   f  0.5 Hz
T 2 y (cm)
v. By applying the equation of wave speed thus 2 y x,0   2 sin x 
v  f  2

v  2  10 2 0.5
1
v  1  10 ms
b. At time, t = 0 s, the equation of displacement as a function of
distance, x is given by 0 x (cm)
1 2
y  x,0   2 sin  0   x 
y x,0   2 sin  x  2
y x,0   2 sin x 
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PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Solution : c. Second method :

b. Therefore the graph of displacement, y against distance, x in By referring to the y-x graph for t = 0 s
the range of 0 x   is y (cm)
y (cm)  5
2 y x,0   2 sin x  2
0 x (cm)
1 2
5
0 x (cm)
1 2
T 
In time, t  0.5T  the distance travelled by the wave is
2  2
2 Hence move the y-axis to the left by amount , x  because
2
from the equation given the wave propagates to the right.

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PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Solution : Solution :
c. First method : c. Therefore the graph of displacement, y against distance, is
At time, t = 0.5T and T = 2 s thus t = 1 s. y (cm)
Therefore the equation of displacement as a function of distance 2
is given by y x,0  2 sin x 
y x,1  2 sin  1  x 
0 x (cm)
y  x,1  2 sin  x    1 2
y x,1  2 sin x  RULES
2 If the wave  to the left

shift the y-axis to the right

If the wave  to the right

21 shift the y-axis to the left24

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 PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Solution : e. Second method :

d. The particle at distance, x = 0 , the equation of displacement as By referring to the y-t graph for x = 0
a function of time, t is given by 0.5T y (cm)
y 0, t   2 sin t   0  2
y 0, t   2 sin t 
Hence the displacement, y against time, t graph is 0 t (s)
1 2
y (cm)
2
2
y 0, t   2 sin t 
Particle at, x  0.5
1
The time taken by the wave to travel this distance is T
t (s) 1 2
0 Hence move the y-axis to the left by amount , t  T
1 2 2
because the wave propagates to the left.

25 28
2

PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Solution : Solution :
e. First method : e. Therefore the graph of displacement, y against time, t is
The particle at distance, x = 0.5 and  = 2 cm thus y (cm)
x = 1 cm. Therefore the equation of displacement as a function 2 y2, t   2 sin t 
of time, t is given by

y 2, t   2 sin t   1

0 t (s)
y2, t   2 sin t    1 2
RULES
OR
If the wave  to the left
y2, t   2 sin t  2 shift the y-axis to the right
If the wave  to the right

shift the y-axis to the left

26 29

PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Solution : Example 10.2 :

e. Therefore the graph of displacement, y against time, t in y (cm)
the range of 0 t  T is
3
y (cm)
2 y2, t   2 sin t  0 x (cm)
1.0 2.0
3
t (s) Figure 10.11
0 Figure 10.11shows a displacement, y against distance, x graph
1 2
after time, t for the progressive wave which propagates to the right
with a speed of 50 cm s1.
a. Determine the wave number and frequency of the wave.
2
b. Write the expression of displacement as a function of x and t for
the wave above.
27 30

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 PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Solution : v  0.5 m s 1 Example 10.3 :

2
a. From the graph,   1.0 10 m A sinusoidal wave traveling in the +x direction (to the right) has an
2 2 amplitude of 15.0 cm, a wavelength of 10.0 cm and a frequency of
1
k  k  200 m 20.0 Hz. At t = 0, a particle at x = 0 has a displacement of 15.0 cm.
 1.0  10 2 a. Write an expression for the wave function, y(x,t).
By using the formula of wave speed, thus b. Determine the speed and acceleration at t = 0.500 s for the
v  f 
0.5  1.0 10 2 f  particle on the wave located at x = 5.0 cm.
f  50 Hz Solution : A  15 .0 cm; λ  10.0 cm; f  20.0 Hz

b. The expression is given by

 
a. Given y 0,0  15.0 cm
The wave number and the angular frequency are given by
y  x, t   A sin t  kx 2 2
k  k  0.2 cm 1
y  x, t   0.03 sin 2 50t  200x   10 .0
y  x, t   0.03 sin 100t  200x  and

Where y and x in metres and t in seconds

  2f  2 20.0
31
  40 rad s 1 34

PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

10.3.4 Equation of a particle’s velocity in wave Solution : A  15 .0 cm; λ  10.0 cm; f  20.0 Hz
 By differentiating the displacement equation of the wave, thus
dy b. By applying the general equation of displacement for wave,
vy  and y  A sin t  kx
dt y  x, t   A sin t  kx   
d y 0,0   15.0 sin 40 0   0.2 0   
v y   A sin t  kx
dt 15.0  15.0 sin  
v y  A cos t  kx sin   1

where v y : velocity of the particle in the wave   rad
 The velocity of the particle, vy varies with time but the wave 2
velocity ,v is constant thus v v Therefore the wave function is
y
 
NOTE:
 A cos t  kx y  x, t   15.0 sin  40t  0.2x  
Equation of a particle’s velocity in wave : v y 2

 Equation of a wave propagation velocity : v  f Where y and x in centimetres and t in seconds

32 35

PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

10.3.5 Equation of a particle’s acceleration in wave Solution : A  15 .0 cm; λ  10.0 cm; f  20.0 Hz
 By differentiating the equation of particle’s velocity in the wave, b. i. The expression for speed of the particle is given by
thus d  
dv y

and v y  A cos t  kx  vy  y x, t  and y x, t   15.0 sin  40t  0.2x  
ay  dt  2
dt
d d    
ay   A cost  kx v y  15.0 sin  40t  0.2x   
dt dt   2 
 
a y   A 2 sin t  kx v y  600 cos 40t  0.2x  
 2
where a y : accelerati on of the particle in the wave where vy in cm s1 and x in centimetres and t in seconds

 The equation of the particle’s acceleration also can be written as and the speed for the particle at x = 5.0 cm and t = 0.500 s is
2  
a y   y The vibration of the particles
in the wave executes SHM.
v y  600 cos 40 0.500  0.2 5.0   
 2
v y  0 cm s 1
33 36

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 PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Solution : A  15 .0 cm; λ  10.0 cm; f  20.0 Hz 10.4 Superposition of waves

b. ii. The expression for acceleration of the particle is given by 10.4.1 Principle of superposition
dv y    states that whenever two or more waves are travelling in the
ay  and v y  600 cos 40t  0.2x   same region, the resultant displacement at any point is the
dt  2 vector sum of their individual displacement at that point.
d      For examples, Simulation 10.3
a y   600 cos 40t  0.2x   
dt   2  A A A
  t 0 
  y1 y2 y1 A
a y  24000 2 sin  40t  0.2x   
 2 2A y2
where ay in cm s2 and x in centimetres and t in seconds t  t1   
   y  y1  y2  A  A  0
y  y1  y 2  A  A  2 A
and the acceleration for the particle at x = 5.0 cm and t =
0.500 s is 
 A
a y  24000 2 sin  40 0.500  0.2 5.0   A
  t  t2 
A
 2 y2 y1 A y1

a y  24000 2 cm s 2 37 y2 40

PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Exercise 10.1 : 10.4.2 Interference
1. A sinusoidal wave of frequency 500 Hz has a speed of  is defined as the interaction (superposition) of two or more
350 m s-1. Determine wave motions.
a. the distance between two particles on the wave that have Constructive interference
phase difference /3 radians,  The resultant displacement is greater than the displacement

b. the phase difference between two displacements at a certain of the individual wave.   
y  y  y1  y2
point at times 1.00 ms apart. y2
ANS. : 11.7 cm ;  radians 
y1
2. A wave travelling along a string is described by
y x, t   0.327 sin 2.72t  72.1x  x
where y in cm, x in m and t is in seconds. Determine
0
a. the amplitude, wavelength and frequency of the wave.
b. the velocity with which the wave moves along the string.
c. the displacement of a particle located at x = 22.5 cm and  It occurs when y1 and y2 have the same wavelength, frequency
and in phase each other where
t = 18.9 s.
ANS. : 0.327 cm, 8.71 cm, 0.433 Hz; 0.0377 m s1; 0.192 cm 38
  0, 2 ,4 ,6 ,8 ,... 41

PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Learning Outcome: Destructive interference

 The resultant displacement is less than the displacement of
the individual wave or equal to zero.
10.4 Superposition of waves (1 hour) y
At the end of this chapter, students should be able to: 
 State the principle of superposition of waves and use it y2   
y  y1  y 2  0
to explain the construction and destruction interferences.
 Explain the formation of stationary wave. x
 Use the stationary wave equation : 0

y  A cos kx sin t y1
 Distinguish between progressive waves and stationary
wave.  It occurs when y1 and y2 have the same wavelength, frequency
and antiphase (out of phase  rad) each other where

   ,3 ,5 ,7 ,9 ,...

Simulation 10.4
39 42

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 PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

10.4.3 Stationary (standing) waves 10.4.5 Equation of stationary waves

 is defined as a form of wave in which the profile of the wave  By considering the wave functions for two progressive waves,
does not move through the medium. y1 x, t   a sin( t  kx)
 It is formed when two waves which are travelling in opposite
directions, and which have the same speed, frequency and y2  x, t   a sin( t  kx)
amplitude are superposed.  And by applying the principle of superposition hence
  
 For example, consider a string stretched between two supports y  y1 x, t   y2 x, t 
that is plucked like a guitar or violin string as shown in Figure
10.12. y  a sin t  kx  a sin t  kx
N A N A N A N y  asin t cos kx  cos t sin kx
 asin t cos kx  cos t sin kx
y  2a sin t cos kx
y  A cos kx sin t and A  2a
where A : amplitude of the stationary wave
Animation 10.1 Figure 10.12 Simulation 10.5
a : amplitude of the progressiv e wave
43 46

PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Explanation for the equation of stationary wave
 When the string is pluck, the progressive wave is produced
 A cos kx
and travel in both directions along the string.
 Determine the amplitude for any point along the stationary
 At the end of the string, the waves will be reflected and travel
wave.
back in the opposite direction.
 It is called the amplitude formula.
 After that, the incident wave will be superimposed with the
reflected wave and produced the stationary wave with fixed  Its value depends on the distance, x
nodes and antinodes as shown in Figure 10.12.  Antinodes
 Node (N) is defined as a point at which the displacement is  The point with maximum displacement = A
zero where the destructive interference occurred.
A cos kx  A
 Antinode (A) is defined as a point at which the displacement
is maximum where the constructive interference occurred. cos kx  1
10.4.4 Characteristics of stationary waves kx  cos 1 1
 Nodes and antinodes are appear at particular time that is kx  0,  ,2 ,3 ,...
determined by the equation of the stationary wave. kx  m where m  0,1,2,3,...
m 2
x and k 
44
k  47

PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

N A N A N A N Therefore
Antinodes are occur when
 m  3

x    x  0, ,  , ,...
Nodes
2 2 2
4  

2  The point with minimum displacement = 0

 A cos kx  0 1
Figure 10.13
kx  cos 0
 From the Figure 10.13,   3 5
 The distance between adjacent nodes or antinodes is kx  , , ,...
2 2 2 2
 The distance between a node and an adjacent antinode is n
4 kx   where n  1,3,5,...
   = 2  (the distance between adjacent nodes or 2
antinodes) n and 2
 The pattern of the stationary wave is fixed hence the amplitude Therefore
x  k
of each particles along the medium are different. Thus the 2k 
nodes and antinodes appear at particular distance and Nodes are occur when
n  3 5
determine by the equation of the stationary wave. x    x , , ,...
45
4 4 4 4 48

8
 PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

 sin  t Production of stationary wave

 Determine the time for antinodes and nodes will occur in
the stationary wave.
 Antinodes
 The point with maximum displacement = A
A sin t  A sin t  1
t  sin 1 1
 3 5
t  , , ,...
2 2 2
n
t  where n  1,3,5,...
2 2
n T T 3T
t and   t 0 t t t t T
2 T 4 2 4
Therefore
Antinodes are occur when the
n time are T 3T 5T
t   T t , , ,...
 4 4 4 4 49 52

PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

 Nodes 10.4.6 Differences between progressive and
 The point with minimum displacement = 0 stationary waves
A sin t  0
Progressive wave Stationary wave
sin t  0
t  sin 1 0  Wave profile move.  Wave profile does not move.
t  0,  ,2 ,3 ,...  All particles vibrate with the  Particles between two adjacent
same amplitude. nodes vibrate with different
t  m where m  0,1,2,3,... amplitudes.
m 2
t and    Neighbouring particles vibrate  Particles between two adjacent
 T with different phases. nodes vibrate in phase.
Therefore  All particles vibrate.  Particles at nodes do not vibrate
Nodes are occur when the time
m are T 3T at all.
t   T t  0, ,T , ,...  Produced by a disturbance in  Produced by the superposition of
 2 2 2 a medium. two waves moving in opposite
 At time , t = 0, all the points in the stationary wave at the direction.
equilibrium position (y = 0).  Transmits the energy.  Does not transmit the energy.
50 53

PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Graph of displacement-distance (y-x) Example 10.4 :
y T
Two harmonic waves are represented by the equations below

t y1 x, t   3 sin t  x 

4 y2 x, t   3 sin t  x 
A T where y1, y2 and x are in centimetres and t in seconds.
t  0, ,T a. Write an expression for the new wave when both waves are
2 superimposed.
0 x b. Determine the amplitude of the new wave.
  3  5 3 7 2 Solution :
3T a. By applying the principle of superposition, thus
  
A 4 2 4 4 2 4 t y  y1 x, t   y2  x, t 
4
y  3 sin t  x   3 sin t  x 
A N A N A N A N A y  6 cos x sin t
where y and x in centimetres and t in seconds.
b. From the expression in (a), thus Amplitude  6 cm
51 54

9
 PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Example 10.5 : Example 10.6 :

A stationary wave is represented by the following expression: An equation of a stationary wave is given by the expression below
y  5 cos x sin t y  8 cos 2x sin t
where y and x in centimetres and t in seconds. Determine where y and x are in centimetres and t in seconds. Sketch a graph
a. the three smallest value of x (x >0) that corresponds to of displacement, y against distance, x at t = 0.25T for a range
i. nodes of 0 ≤ x ≤.
ii. antinodes Solution :
b. the amplitude of a particle at By comparing
i. x = 0.4 cm y  8 cos 2x sin t with y  A cos kx sin t
1
thus k  2 cm
ii. x = 1.2 cm 2
iii. x = 2.3 cm  2   1 cm
 1
and    rad s
2
 T  2s
55
T 58

PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Solution : Solution :
By comparing The particles in the stationary wave correspond to
y  5 cos x sin t with y  A cos kx sin t  Antinode

thus k   cm 1 m
x    where m  0,1,2,3,... and   1 cm
2
   2 cm 2
 x  0,0.5 cm, 1 cm
a. i. Nodes particles with minimum displacement, y = 0  Node
n
0  5 cos x x    where n  1,3,5,... and   1 cm
x  cos 1 0  4
 3 5 x  0.25 cm, 0.75 cm
x  , , The displacement of point x = 0 at time, t = 0.25(2) = 0.50 s in the
2 2 2 stationary wave is
x  0.5 cm, 1.5 cm, 2.5 cm y  8 cos 2 0 sin  0.50
n
OR x    where n  1,3,5,... y  8 cm
4
x  0.5 cm, 1.5 cm, 2.5 cm 56 59

PHYSICS Chapter 10 PHYSICS Chapter 10

Solution : Solution :
a. ii. Antinodes particle with maximum displacement, y = 5 cm Therefore the displacement, y against distance, x graph is
5  5 cos x y (cm)
x  cos 1 1
x  0,  ,2 ,3 8
x  1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm
 m  where
OR x    m  0,1,2,3,... 0 x(cm)
2 0.25 0.50 0.75 1.00
x  1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm 8
b. By applying the amplitude formula of stationary wave,
Amplitude  A cos kx  5 cos x
i. Amplitude  5 cos  0.4  Amplitude  1.55 cm A N A N A
ii. Amplitude  5 cos  1.2
Amplitude  4.05 cm
iii. Amplitude  5 cos  2.3
Amplitude  2.94 cm 57 60

10
 PHYSICS Chapter 10
Exercise 10.2 :
1. y

0 x
 
A 2

N A N A N
Figure 10.14
Figure 10.14 shows a graph of displacement, y against
distance, x for a stationary wave at time, t where N represents
the node and A represents the antinode. On the same axes,
sketch the graph of displacement, y against distance, x for a
0.25 cycle and 0.5 cycle later.
61

PHYSICS Chapter 10

2. The expression of a stationary wave is given by

y  0.3 cos 0.5x sin 60t
where y and x in metres and t in seconds.
a. Write the expression for two progressive waves resulting the
stationary wave above.
b. Determine the wavelength, frequency, amplitude and velocity
for both progressive waves.
ANS. : 4 m, 30 Hz, 0.15 m, 120 m s1
3. A harmonic wave on a string has an amplitude of 2.0 m,
wavelength of 1.2 m and speed of 6.0 m s1 in the direction of
positive x-axis. At t = 0, the wave has a crest (peak) at x = 0.
a. Calculate the period, frequency, angular frequency and wave
number.
b. Explain the motion of the wave in mathematical equation.
ANS. : 0.2 s, 5 Hz, 10 rad s1 ,5.23 m 1; Hint : wave function 62

THE END.
Next Chapter…
CHAPTER 11 :
Sound wave

63

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