Theory - Wave On String - JEE - Phy

Wave on String
Wave
A wave is a disturbance which propagates in space, transport energy from one place to another without
the transport of matter.
Example - Ripples on a pond, sound we hear etc.
Classification of wave
Wave
Based on medium Based on Motion Based on Energy Based on direction

of the particles propagation of propagation
of medium
Mechanical Electro magnetic

wave wave
Progressive Stationary
Longitudinal Transverse wave wave
wave wave
One dimensional Two dimensional Three dimensional

wave wave wave
As shown in the above tree, waves can be primarily classified into four categories–
(i) Based on medium
(ii) Based on the motion of particles of the medium
(iii) Based on energy propagation
(iv) Based on direction of propagation
Now let us discuss these categories one by one.
Based on medium:
On the basis of medium, waves are of two types (a) Mechanical waves, (b) Electromagnetic waves
(a) Mechanical waves: Require material medium for their propagation.
Examples: Sound waves, waves on a string.
Properties of mechanical waves:

(i) Energy and momentum propagates by motion of particles of the medium but medium does
not propagate i.e. transfer of mass does not takes place.
(ii) Due to elasticity of the medium, particles occupy its original position.
(iii) Due to inertia, medium can transfer kinetic and potential energy.
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Wave on String - JEE (Main + Advanced)
(b) Electromagnetic waves: Material medium is not required for propagation.

Examples: Radio waves, Light waves.
Properties of electromagnetic waves:
(i) Periodic change takes place in electric and magnetic fields.
(ii) These waves are transverse in nature.
(iii) These waves possess momentum and travels with the speed of light.
Based on the motion of particles of medium:

Waves are of two types on the basis of motion of particles of the medium (a) Longitudinal waves, (b)
Transverse waves
Transverse waves Longitudinal waves

Particles of the medium vibrates in a direction Particles of a medium vibrate in the direction of
perpendicular to the direction of propagation of wave motion.
wave. Particles of the medium
v
v
Longitudinal wave in a fluid
Transverse wave on a string
It travels in the form of crests (C) and troughs (T). It travels in the form of compression (C) and
C C rarefaction (R).
Maximum
pressure
and density C R C R C R
T T
Minimum
pressure and density
Transverse waves can be transmitted through These waves can be transmitted through solids,
solids, they can be setup on the surface of liquids. liquids and gases because for these waves
But they can not be transmitted into liquids and propagation, volume elasticity is necessary.
gases. C C C
C C C
R R
T T
Longitudinal wave in a rod
Transverse-wave in a rod
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Transverse waves Longitudinal waves

Medium should posses the property of rigidity Medium should posses the property of elasticity
Transverse waves can be polarised. Longitudinal waves can not be polarised.

Movement of string of a sitar or violin, movement Sound waves travel through air, Vibration of air
of the membrane of a Tabla or Dholak, movement column in organ pipes. Vibration of air column
of kink on a rope, waves set-up on the surface of above the surface of water in the tube of resonance
water. apparatus
Based on energy propagation:

Again the waves can be divided into two parts on the basis of energy propagation (a) Progressive waves
(b) Stationary waves
(a) Progressive waves: The wave propagates with fixed velocity in a medium.
Example: Waves on liquid surface.
Properties:
(i) Every particle attains the maximum displacement at one time or other.
(ii) Energy and momentum propagate in the medium from one particle to another.
(iii) Phase of motion of particles continuously change.
(b) Stationary Waves: The particles of the medium vibrate with different amplitude but energy does
not prapogate.
Example: Vibration of sonometer wire.
Properties:
(i) There are some particles who always remain at rest, at some points known as nodes where
as other particles attain maximum value at other points known as antinodes.
(ii) All particles between two successive nodes are in the same phase.
(iii) At nodes particle velocity is zero while strain is maximum and reverse is the case for
antinodes.
(iv) Energy does not propagates.
Based on direction of Propagation:

(a) One dimensional wave: Stretched string.
(b) Two dimensional wave: Waves on liquid surface.
(c) Three dimensional wave: Sound waves.
Examples based on Classification of waves
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Illustration 1:
Examples of mechanical waves are -
(A) Waves in spring and water waves (B) Compression, rarefaction waves in liquid
(C) Sound waves and waves in a string (D) All of the above
Solution:
(D)
All of the above needs a material medium to travel.
Illustration 2:
A transverse wave travels along the Z axis. The particles of the medium must move -
(A) along the Z axis (B) along the X axis (C) along the Y axis (D) in the X-Y plane
Solution:
(D)
In transverse wave, particles of the medium vibrate in a direction perpendicular to the direction of wave
propagation and X-Y plane is always perpendicular to Z axis.
Illustration 3:
A progressive wave propagating in a medium carries (through the medium)
(A) Only energy (B) Only momentum
(C) Both energy and momentum (D) Neither energy nor momentum
Solution:
(C)
Progressive wave is a disturbance in the medium which carries energy and momentum.
Illustration 4:
Is an oscillation a wave? Explain.
Solution:
No an oscillation is not a wave. The term `wave’ implies the transfer of energy through successive vibration
of the particles of the medium. So the oscillation of a body do not constitute a wave.
Illustration 5:
Transverse waves are possible in solids but not in liquids and gases. Why?
Solution:
Transverse mechanical wave require rigidity in the medium. The medium must be elastic so as to provide a
restoring force when acted on by shearing stress. But liquids and gases flow when acted on by shearing
stress and so cannot transmit waves.
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Illustration 6:
How can one distinguish experimentally between longitudinal and transverse waves?
Solution:
One can distinguish between transverse wave and longitudinal waves by conducting experiments on
polarization, since longitudinal waves cannot be polarised.
Wave Function
It is a mathematical description of the disturbance created by a wave. For a string, the wave function is
displacement, for sound waves, it is a pressure or density fluctuation where as for light waves it is electric
or magnetic field.
Now let us consider a one dimensional wave travelling along x-axis. During wave motion, a particle with
equilibrium position x is displaced some distance y in the direction perpendicular to the x-axis. In this case
y is a function of position (x) and time (t).
i.e. y = f (x, t). This is called wave function
Different physical interpretation of wave function:

(a) Wave function of a wave tells about the displacement of particle of the medium at given time.
(b) If 't' is kept fixed (t = t0) in the wave equation then the resultant equation y(x, t = t0) = f(x) describes
the shape of the wave at given time 't0'.
(c) If 'x' is kept fixed (x = x0) in the wave equation then the resultant equation y(x = x0, t) = f(t) represent
equation of motion of particle present at x = x0.
Wave function when equation of shape is given: Let the wave pulse is travelling with a speed v, after a
time t, the pulse reaches a distance vt along the +x-axis as shown. If equation of the shape of pulse at t=0
is given by y=f(x), then after time t this shape (graph) will be shifted towards positive x axis by amount vt.
So the equation of shape at any time t i.e. the wave function now can be represented as y = f ( x − vt ) .
Y Y vt
X
O
(A) Pulse at time t = 0 (B) Pulse after time t
If the wave pulse is travelling along – x-axis then y = f (x + vt)
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In order of a wave function to represent a wave, the quantities x, t must appear in combinations
(Ax + Bt), where A and B are the constants such that velocity of the wave is given by
B
v=−
A
coefficient of t
v=−
coefficient of x
2
Thus y = (x – vt)2, ( x − vt ), Ae − B( x −vt ) etc. represent travelling waves while y = ( x 2 − v2t 2 ),( x − vt ) ,
A sin (4x2 – 9t2) etc. do not represent a wave.
Illustration 7:
Shape of a pulse at 𝑡 = 0 is given by y = e –( x –1) & shape of the same pulse at 𝑡 = 2 sec. is y = e –( x –5) Find
2 2
wave velocity & wave function.

Solution:
vt
y=f(x) y=f(x–vt)
t = 0, y = e –( x –1)
2
At
t= 2sec , y = e –( x –5)
2
At
2
– ( x –4 ) −1
y =e
In 2 sec pulse travels 4 unit
4
v= = 2unit
2
In t time pulse travels 2t unit.
2
− ( x −2t ) −1
At any time t, y = e
Illustration 8:
y=f(x) at t=t0 and wave is travelling in +x direction with speed v.
Solution:
Wave equation is y=f(x–v(t–t0))
Illustration 9:
y=x2 at t=1 and wave is travelling in +x direction with speed 3m/s.
Solution:
Replace x by x–v (t–t0) where v=3 and t0 = 1
Wave equation is y= ( x − 3 ( t − 1) )
2
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Illustration 10:
y=x2+2x at t=0 and wave is travelling in -x direction with speed 3m/s.
Solution:
Replace x by x+vt where v=3
Wave equation is y = ( x + 3t ) + 2 ( x + 3t )
2
Illustration 11:
y=4x at t=1 and wave is travelling in -x direction with speed 3m/s.
Solution:
Replace x by x+v (t–t0) where v=3 and t0 = 1
Wave equation is y = 4  x + 3 ( t − 1 ) 
Wave function when equation of motion of particle is given:
Imagine a horizontal string stretched in the x direction. Its equilibrium shape is flat and straight. Let y
measure the displacement of any particle of the string from its equilibrium position, perpendicular to the
string. If the string is plucked on the left end, a pulse will travel to the right. The vertical displacement y of
the left end of the string (x = 0) is a function of time, i.e., y (x = 0, t) = f(t)
If there are no frictional losses, the pulse will travel undiminished, retaining its original shape. If the pulse
travels with a speed v, the ‘position’ of the wave pulse is x = vt. Therefore, the displacement of the particle
x
at point x at time t was originated at the left end at time t – . [y (x, t) is function of both x and t]. But the
v
x x
displacement of the left end at time t is f(t) thus at time t – , it is f(t – ).
v v
Therefore :
x x
y(x, t) = y (x = 0, t – ) = f (t – )
v v
This can also be expressed as
f f
 (vt – x)  – (x – vt)
v v
y(x, t) = g(x – vt)
Using any fixed value of t (i.e. at any instant), this shows shape of the string. If the wave is travelling in – x
direction, then wave equation is written as
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x
y(x, t) = f(t + )
v
The quantity x – vt is called phase of the wave function. As phase of the pulse has fixed value x – vt = const.
Taking the derivative w.r.t. time
dx
=v
dt
where v is the phase velocity although often called wave velocity. It is the velocity at which a particular
phase of the disturbance travels through space
Illustration 12:
A
A transverse wave is travelling towards +x axis. At t=0, particle of x=0 is found at y = + , while moving
2
towards its mean position. If velocity of wave is v & particles are performing SHM with amplitude A &
angular frequency . Find equation of wave.
Solution:
Let y = A sin ( t + )
A
At t=0 and x=0, y = +
2
A
+ = A sin (  )
2
1
sin  =
2
 5
= or
6 6
5
As at t=0 particle is moving towards mean position, so  =
6
 5 
Hence, at x= 0, y = A sin  t + 
 6 
x
For wave equation replace t by t −
v
  x  5 
y = A sin   t −  + 
  v 6 
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Travelling Sine wave in one Dimension (wave on string)

 x
The wave equation y = f  t −  or y = f (x-vt )is quite general. It holds for arbitrary wave shapes, and for
 v
transverse as well as for longitudinal waves.
A complete description of the wave requires specification of f (x). The most important case, by far, in
physics and engineering is when f(x) is sinusoidal, that is, when the wave has the shape of a sine or cosine
function. This is possible when the source, that is moving the left end of the string, vibrates the left end x
= 0 in a simple harmonic motion. For this, the source has to continuously do work on the string and
energy is continuously supplied to the string.
Let us consider, the equation of a travelling sinusoidal wave is
y = A sin (t ±kx)
The wave equation y = A sin (t ± kx) says that at x = 0 and t = 0, y = 0. This is not necessarily the case, of
source. For the same condition, y may not equal to zero. Therefore, the most general expression would
involve a phase constant , which allows for other possibilities,
y = A sin (t ± kx + )
A suitable choice of  allows any initial condition to be met.
Analysis of sinusoidal wave y=Asin(ωt-kx):

1. According to given wave function equation of motion of particle at x = x0
y( x0 ,t ) = A sin ( t − kx 0 )
= A sin ( t + )
Which is the equation of SHM of particle present at x = x0 . It can be concluded from the above
result that all the particle present on the wave perform SHM with same amplitude A and same

angular frequency  and frequency f = . Therefore A is called amplitude of wave and f is called
2
frequency of wave. , which is the initial phase of particle, depends on location (x) of particle.
Suppose 1 and 2 are the phases of particles at distance x1 and x2 at any time t, then
1 − 2 = k ( x2 − x1 )
 = k x …1
2. Shape of the wave on string at t=𝑡0 will be given by

y = A sin ( t0 − kx )
y = Asin ( kx −t0 + )
y = Asin ( kx + ) ….2
Where  =  − t 0
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Below is the graph of equation 2
2
is the period of the function represented by equation 2, which is the minimum length after
k
which wave repeats itself and is called wavelength (λ) of the wave and k is called wave number.
Now the equation (1) can be written as
 x
= …3
2 
Velocity of wave:
coefficient of t
Since velocity of wave, v = − ,
coeffient of x

therefore, v = or v = f 
k
Velocity and acceleration of particle present on wave:
y
Velocity of particle will be given by v = = A cos ( t − kx )
t
2 y
And acceleration will be given by a = = − A2 sin ( t − kx )
t
2
Illustration 13:
A source of frequency 500 Hz emit waves of wavelength 0.2 m. How long does it take to travel 300 m
(A) 70 s (B) 60 s (C) 12 s (D) 3 s
Solution:
(D)
Velocity of the wave is v =  = 500 × 0.2 = 100 m/s.
300 300
Time to travel 300 m is t = = = 3 sec
v 100
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Illustration 14:
A sinusoidal wave travelling in the positive x direction has an amplitude of 15 cm, wavelength 40 cm and
frequency 8 Hz. The vertical displacement of the medium at t = 0 and x = 0 is also 15 cm, as shown.
y(cm)
40
15
x(cm)
(a) Find the angular wave number, period, angular frequency and speed of the wave.
(b) Determine the phase constant , and write a general expression for the wave function.
Solution:
2 2 rad 
(a) k= = = rad/cm
 40 cm 20
1 1
T= = s  = 2f = 16 s–1
f 8
v = f = 320 cm/s
(b) It is given that A = 15 cm and also y = 15 cm at x = 0 and t = 0
Using y = A sin (t – kx + )
15 = 15 sin 
sin  = 1

= rad.
2
Therefore, the wave function is
  −1   rad  
y = A sin (t – kx +
2
) = (15 cm) sin (16s )t −  20 cm  .x + 2 
   
Illustration 15:
A sinusoidal wave is travelling along a rope. The oscillator that generates the wave completes 60
vibrations in 30 s. Also, a given maximum travels 425 cm along the rope in 10.0 s. What is the wavelength?
Solution:
425 60
v= = 42.5 cm/s. f= = 2 Hz
10 30
v
= = 21.25 cm.
f
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Illustration 16:
A simple harmonic progressive wave is represented by the equation y = 8 sin 2 (0.1x – 2t) where x and y
are in cm and t is in seconds. At any instant the phase difference between two particles separated by 2.0
cm in the x-direction is
(A) 18° (B) 36° (C) 54° (D) 72°
Solution:
(D)
 x  t x
y = 8 sin 2   − 2t  given by comparing with standard equation y = A sin 2   − 
 10  T  
 = 10cm
2 2 2
So Phase Difference = × path difference =  2 =  180 = 72°
 10 5
Illustration 17:

A wave represented by the given equation y = A sin (10  x + 15  t + ) where x is in meter and t is in
3
second. The expression represents
(A) A wave travelling in the positive x-direction with a velocity of 1.5 m/sec
(B) A wave travelling in the negative x-direction with a velocity of 1.5 m/sec
(C) A wave travelling in the negative x-direction with a wavelength of 0.2 m
(D) A wave travelling in the positive x-direction with a wavelength of 0.2 m
Solution:
(BC)
By comparing with standard equation y = A sin ( k x +t +  /3)
k = 10  ,  = 15 
 2
We know that: v = = 1.5 m/sec;  = = 0.2 meter.
k k
Illustration 18:
 x
A transverse wave is described by the equation y = y0 sin 2   ft −  The maximum particle velocity is
  
four times the wave velocity if
y0 y0
(A)  = (B)  = (C)  =  y0 (D)  = 2y0
4 2
Solution:
(B)
Maximum particle velocity = 4 wave velocity
A= 4 f 
y0 2  f = 4 f 
y0
=
2
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Illustration 19:
The equation of a wave travelling in a string can be written as y = 3 cos  (100 t – x) Its wavelength
(A) 100 cm (B) 2 cm (C) 5 cm (D) None of these
Solution:
(B)
Standard equation : y = A cos (t − k x )
Given equation : y = 3 cos (100  t −  x )
2
So k =  and  = = 2 cm
k
Illustration 20:
A plane wave is represented by x = 1.2 sin (314 t + 12.56 y) where x and y are distances measured along x
and y direction in meter and t is time in seconds. This wave has
(A) A wave length of 0.25 m and travels in + ve x-direction
(B) A wavelength of 0.25 m and travels in + ve y-direction
(C) A wavelength of 0.5 m and travels in – ve y-direction
(D) A wavelength of 0.5 m and travels in – ve x-direction
Solution:
(C)
From given equation k = 12.56

2
= = 0.5 m direction is along – y axis
k
Illustration 21:
A transverse wave travelling along a string is described by y(x, t) = 0.00327sin(72.1x – 2.72t), in which the
numerical constants are in SI units.
(A) What is the amplitude of this wave?
(B) What are the wavelength, period, and frequency of this wave?
(C) What is the velocity of this wave?
(D) What is the displacement y at x = 22.5 cm and t = 18.9 s?
(E) What is the transverse velocity u of this element of the string, at that place and at that time?
(F) What is the transverse acceleration ay at that position and at that time?
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Solution:
(A) ym = 0.00327 = 3.27 mm
2 2
(B) = = = 0.0871 = 8.71 cm
k 72.1
2 2
T= = = 2.31 s
 2.72
1 1
f= = = 0.433 Hz
T 2.31
 2.72
(C) v= = = 0.0377 = 3.77 cms−1
k 72.1
(D) y( x , t ) = 0.00327sin(72.1  0.225 − 2.72  18.9)
= 0.00192 = 1.92 mm
y
(E) u= = −ym cos(kx − t )
t
= −(2.72)(0.00327)sin(72.1  0.225 − 2.72  18.9)
=7.20 mm/s
u
(F) ay = = −2 ym sin(kx − t ) = −2 y
t
= −(2.72)2(0.00192) = −0.0142
= −14.2 mm/s2
The Linear Wave Equation

By using wave function y = A sin (t – kx + ), we can describe the motion of any point on the string. Any
point on the string moves only vertically, and so its x coordinate remains constant. The transverse velocity
vy of the point and its transverse acceleration ay are
 dy  y
vy =   
 dt  x =constant t
= A cos (t – kx + ) .....(1)
 dv y  v y  2 y
ay =    =
 dt  x =constant t t 2
= –2 A sin (t – kx + ) .....(2)
and hence vy, max = A
ay, max = 2A
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The transverse velocity and transverse acceleration of any point on the string do not reach their maximum
value simultaneously. Infact, the transverse velocity reaches its maximum value (A) when the
displacement is y = 0, whereas the transverse acceleration reaches its maximum magnitude (2A) when
y=±A
 dy  y
Now  dx  
  t =constant x
= –kA cos (t – kx + ) .....(3)

2 y
And = – k2 A sin (t – kx + ) .....(4)
x 2
From (1) and (3)
y  y
=–
t k x
vP = – vw × slope
i.e. if the slope at any point is negative, particle velocity is positive and vice-versa, for a wave moving along
positive
x axis i.e. vw is positive.
For example, consider two points A and B on the y-x curve for a wave, as shown. The wave is moving
along positive x-axis.
y
A
B
x
x1 x2
Slope at A is positive therefore at the given moment, its velocity is negative. That means it is coming
downward. Reverse is the situation for particle at point B.
Now using equation (2) and (4)
2 y k 2 2 y
=
x 2 2 t 2
2 y 1 2 y
=
x 2 v2 t 2
This is known as the linear wave equation or differential equation representation of the travelling wave
model. We have developed the linear wave equation from a sinusoidal mechanical wave travelling through
a medium, but it is much more general. The linear wave equation successfully describes waves on strings,
sound waves and also electromagnetic waves.
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Illustration 22:
2
Verify that wave function y = is a solution to the linear wave equation. x and y are in cm.
( x − 3t )2 + 1
Solution:
By taking partial derivatives of this function w.r.t. x and t
 2 y 12( x − 3t )2 − 4  2 y 108 ( x − 3t )2 − 36
= , and =
x 2 [( x − 3t )2 + 1]3 t 2 [( x − 3t )2 + 1]3
2 y 1 2 x
or =
x 2 9 t 2
Comparing with linear wave equation, we see that the wave function is a solution to the linear wave
equation if the speed at which the pulse moves is 3 cm/s. It is apparent from wave function therefore it is
a solution to the linear wave equation.
Illustration 23:
For the points marked in the graph, find the signs of vP and aP
V+ve
y C
D
A B
E x
H
F
G
Solution:
yP Slope of y–x vP aP=–2 y
A 0 + - 0
B + + - -
C + 0 0 -
D + - + -
E 0 - + 0
F - - + +
G - 0 0 +
H - + - +
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The Speed of Transverse waves on strings
This velocity depends on two properties of the string.
(a) Elasticity (measured by tension F in the string)
(b) Inertia (measured by mass per unit length)
Δℓ
 
F R F

Take a small element  of the string in which a wave is moving with speed v. Suppose this element forms
an arc of radius R. A force of tension pulls this element tangentially by which horizontal components
cancel and vertical components add to form a restoring force i.e.
Fr = F sin  + F sin 
 /2 F .
Fr = 2 F sin   2F. =
R R
If  is mass per unit length of string and  m is the mass of element then downward acceleration is given
by
Fr F . / R F m
a= = = where  =
m m R 
v2
But element is moving in a circle of radius R. So Centripetal acceleration a =
R
v2 F
 =
R R
F
v=

Note:
If A is area of cross-section and  is density
=A
F
So velocity v =
A
 Digital [17]
Illustration 24:
The mass of a 4 m wire is 0.01 kg and it is stretched by a force of 400 N. What is the speed of transverse
wave in the wire?
(A) 400 m/s (B) 200 m/s (C) 800 m/s (D) None
Solution:
(A) Speed of transverse wave in a wire is
F
v=

Where F is the tension and μ is mass per unit length of the wire.
Here F = 400 N and
0.01 kg
= = .0025 kg/m
4m
400
 v= = 400 m/s
.0025
Illustration 25:
Fig. shows a string of linear mass density 1 gm/cm on which a wave pulse is travelling. Find the time taken
by the pulse in travelling through a distance of 50 cm on the string. Take g = 10 m/s2
1kg
Solution:
Tension in the string
F = mg = 10 N
Mass per unit length = 1 g/cm =0.1 kg/m
F 10
Velocity of wave v = = = 10 m/s
 0.1
0.5
Time taken by pulse in travelling a distance of 50 cm = = .05 seconds
10
 Digital [18]
Illustration 26:
The diameter of an iron wire is 1.2 mm. If the speed of transverse wave in the wire be 50 m/s then what is
the tension in the wire. The density of iron is 7.7 × 103 kg/m3.
Solution:
Diameter of wire = 1.2 mm = 1.2 × 10–3m
Radius of wire = 0.6 × 10–3m
Speed of wave = 50 m/s
Density of wire  = 7.7 × 103 Kg/m3
Speed of transverse wave is given by
F
v=

But  =  A
 F = v2.  A
= (50)2 × 7.7 × 103 × 3.14 × (0.6 × 10–3)2 = 21.76 N
Illustration 27:
A
Find:
(a) v when wave passes through point at distance x from B? M, L
(b) Time taken by wave to go from B to A.
(c) Ball is dropped at t=0 from the point A, where will they cross?
Solution: B
(a)
M
As T= xg
L
M
xg
v = L = xg
M/L
 Digital [19]
dx
(b) v =
dt
dx
xg = =v
dt
t t
dx

0 x
=  gdt
0
L
t =2
g
(c) They both take same time

tball = twave
2( L − d ) d
=2
g g
L
d=
3
L
They cross at from lower end.
3
Energy density in travelling wave on a string

y 
a
ym v b
0 x
dx dx
Snapshot of a travelling wave on a string at time t = 0.
Consider a string element of mass dm.
1
Kinetic energy: dK = dmu2 .
2
Since y(x, t) = ym sin(kx − t),
y
u= = −ym cos(kx − t ).
t
Since dm = dx,
1
dK = (dx )( −ym )2 cos2 (kx − t ).
2
 Digital [20]
Potential energy:
Potential energy is carried in the string when it is stretched. Stretching is largest when the displacement
has the largest gradient.
Hence, the potential energy is also maximum at the y = 0 position. This is different from the harmonic
oscillator, in which case energy is conserved.
Consider the extension s of a string element.
s = (dx )2 +  y( x + dx , t ) − y( x , t ) − dx
2
2  2 
 y   y 
 (dx )2 +  dx  − dx =  1 +   − 1 dx .
 x    x  
 
Using approximation
 1  y 2  1  y 
2
s  1 +   − 1 dx =   dx .
 2  x   2  x 
The potential energy of the string element is given by the work done in extending the string element,
2
T  y  T
dU = dW = T s    dx = k 2 ym2 cos2(kx − t )dx .
2  x  2
Note : dU = dKE only valid for travelling wave.
Proof :
2
1 v 
dU = T  P  dx
2  v 
2
1 v 
( )
= v2  P  dx
2  v 
1
= vP2 dx
2
1 2
dKE = vP dx
2
dE dU dKE
= + = vP2
dx dx dx
Or
2 2
dE  dy   dy   dE dKE dxvP2 
=   =T    = 2 = 
dx  dt   dx   dx dx dx 
 Digital [21]
Illustration 28:
Compare the mechanical energy (KE + PE) of elements 1, 2 and 3 as shown in figure.
Solution:
|slope|2 > |slope|3 = |slope|1
dU2 > dU3 = dU1
As dU = dKE
dKE2 > dKE3 = dKE1
 dE2 > dE3 = dE1
Key Points for travelling wave in string only
• KE & PE of an element are always equal to each other. Mechanical energy (KE+PE) of an element is
not constant.
• At an instant when element is passing through mean position its KE & PE are maximum.
• At an instant when element is at extreme position its KE & PE are minimum.
Illustration 29:
y
y= A sin (kx-t)
Find energy of string of linear mass density  from x = 0 to x =  at a given instant (t = 0)?
 Digital [22]
Solution:
2
 dy 
 dE =    dt  dx

E =  A22 cos2 ( kx − t )dx
0

= A22  cos2 ( kx )dx
0

 1 + cos2kx 
= A22   dx
0
2 

1  sin2kx 
= A22  x +
2  2k 0
1
= A22   + 0
2
1
E = A22 energy in one wavelength
2
Power Transmitted along the string by a Sine Wave

Suppose a simple harmonic progressive wave is propagating in x direction
y = Asin(t–kx)
The string on the left of the point x exerts a force on to the right of position y
vy
x. This force acts along the tangent to the string at x.
Rate of change of energy of the particle = F vy cos (90 + )
vx
{Here we are taking velocity component in the direction of force} F

= –F vy sin  x
This is the equation of instantaneous power transmitted to the

neighbouring particles. i.e.
P = – Fvy sin
y
But vy =
t
y
And sin     tan =
x
y y
Hence P = −T
x t

P = F Ak cos (t–kx). [Asin(t–kx)]
t
= F [Ak cos(t–kx)] [A  cos (t–kx)]
 Digital [23]
2 A2F
= cos2(t – kx )
v
2 A2F
 P = Pavg = cos2(t – kx )
v
1 2 A2F 1 2 2
= =  A v
2 v 2
<P> = 22  v A2 f2
Hence Pavg = 2   v A2 f2
i.e Pavg  A2 f2
Intensity of wave on string

Intensity of transverse wave on string
Power
I=
Area
Since power is variable for a point and we have taken its average value
So Intensity at any point is also taken average.
P 1 vA22
I = =
Area 2 Area
1
I = vA22
2
Where  = Density of the material of string.
Illustration 30:
A string with linear mass density m = 5.00 × 10–2 kg/m is under a tension of 80.0 N. How much power
must be supplied to the string to generate sinusoidal waves at a frequency of 60.0 Hz and an amplitude of
6.00 cm?
Solution:
1/2
T  80.0 N 
The wave speed on the string is v= = −2  = 40.0 m/s
  5.00  10 kg / m 
Because f = 60 Hz, the angular frequency  of the sinusoidal waves on the string has the value
 = 2f = 2(60.0 Hz) = 377 s–1
Using these values in following equation for the power, with A = 6.00 × 10–2 m, gives
1
P= 2A2 v
2
1
= (5.00 × 10–2 kg/m) (377s–1)2 × (6.00 × 10–2 m)2 (40.0 m/s) = 512 W.
2
 Digital [24]
Illustration 31:
Two waves in the same medium are represented by y-t curves in the figure. Find ratio of their average
intensities?
y
5
wave 1
2 wave 2
t
Solution:
1 12 A12 f 2  A2 1  25 25
= 2 2 = 12 12 = =
2 2 A2 f2  A2 4 4 16
Interference and the principle of superposition

When two of more than two waves pass through the same region simultaneously, we say that waves
interfere in that region.
In the event of interference, waves follow the principle of superposition according to which when two or
more wave pass through a point, the disturbance at this point is given by the sum of disturbances each
wave could produce in absence of other wave.
Let us consider two needles performing SHM on the surface of water due to which ripples are generated.
s1 s2
r1 r2
P
y1 = A1 sin ( t − kr1 ) in absence of S2
y2 = A2 sin ( t − kr2 ) in absence of S1
In presence of both S1 and S2, displacement of particle at point P is given by

A
y = y1 + y2 A2
 
y = A1 sin ( t − kr1 ) + A2 sin ( t − kr2 )
A1
y = A sin ( t +  )
 Digital [25]
If two sinusoidal waves of same frequency interfere with each other, then resultant wave or resultant
motion of particle will be SHM of same frequency.
Nature of interference –
y1 = A1 sin (t+1)
y2= A2 sin (t+2)
 = −
A = A12 + A22 + 2A1 A2 cos 
For maximum resultant amplitude,  = 2n

A = A1 + A2  Constructive interference
And if amplitude is minimum i.e.
A = A1 − A2 when  = (2n + 1)   Destructive interference
Interference on a string
Two pulses of different amplitude but same wave speed a moving towards each other as shown in figure.
As they interfere the net displacement (ynet) of any point P is given by ynet = y1 + y2.
v
v
 
t=0
x x

A1+A2
y1+y2 y2
y1
Final shape
x
Velocity analysis in interference

We know that, y = y1 + y2
Now differentiating w.r.t. time
y y1 y2
= +
t t t
v resultant = v1 + v2
 Digital [26]
y  y 
Here we can not apply = −vw   in resultant wave.
t  x 
Let us consider two pulse of same magnitude moving towards each other with same wave speed.
v

t=0

Final shape
Potential energy of any string element is given by

2
1  y 
dU = T  
2  x 
Due to interference of pulses, string will be straight t=

2v
y
At t= , =0
2v x
So dU=0 for any string element
All the energy is in the form of K.E.
v
 Digital [27]
Illustration 32:
Shape of string at t = 0 is shown in fig. Draw the shape of the string at t = 3 sec & t = 2.5 sec.
1 cm/sec 1 cm/sec
1 cm 1 cm
t=0
1 cm 1 cm 2 cm 1 cm 1 cm
6 cm
3 cm
Solution:
Net displacement of any point on string is given by
y = y1 + y2
resultant wave
t=3sec
resultant wave
t=2.5 sec
Illustration 33:
Shape of string at t=0 is shown in fig. Draw the shape of the string at t=3 sec & t=2.5 sec.
1 cm/sec
1 cm
1 cm 1 cm
t=0
1 cm 1 cm 2 cm 1 cm
6 cm
3 cm 1 cm/sec
 Digital [28]
Solution:
resultant wave
t=3sec
t=2.5 sec resultant wave
Reflection & transmission of wave on composite string:

Consider a wave travelling in a string of linear mass density i as shown in the figure. At x = 0, string
is joint with another string of different material of linear mass density t.
Let us assume equation of incident wave, reflected wave and transmitted wave as given by
yi = Ai sin(t-kix) → Incident wave
yr = Ar sin(t-kix) → Reflected wave
yt = At sin(t-ktx) → Transmitted wave
At interface (x = 0), the wave should be continuous so

yi +yr = yt
Ai sin(t)+ Ar sin(t)= At sin(t)
Ai + Ar = At ...(1)
 Digital [29]
Now conserving rate of flow energy
Pi = Pr + Pt
1 1 1
T i Ai22 = T i Ar22 + T t At22
2 2 2
( Ai + Ar )  i ( Ai − Ar ) = t At At
t
Ai − Ar = At ...(2)
i
Adding (1) & (2)
  + i 
2 Ai =  t  At
 i 
 
 2 i    − t 
At =   Ai and Ar =  i A
  +     +   i
 i t   i t 
In terms of wave velocity.
 2vt   vt − vi 
At =   Ai and Ar =   Ai
 vt + vi   vt + vi 
Illustration 34:
i
If 64% energy is reflected back on reflection from heavier string. Find ?
t
i t
Solution:
1 64 1
T i ( Ar ) 2 =  T i ( Ai ) 2
2 2
2 100 2
Ar = –(0.8Ai)
(because wave gets inverted after reflection from heavy string)
  − t 
−0.8 Ai =  i A
  +   i
 i t 
i 1
=
t 81
 Digital [30]
Reflection of wave on string
(1) Reflection from fixed or rigid end: At this end, particle of the string always has zero
displacement due to rigid wall attached to it, therefor following points can be concluded.
(a) After reflection from fixed end, shape of the wave/pulse gets inverted as shown in the
figure
Incident pulse intermediate shape of string reflected pulse
(b) There is a phase difference of π between incident wave and reflected wave at point of
reflection
(2) Reflection from free end: To understand the free end, we can imagine a massless rind attached
to this end and can move freely on a vertical pole as shown in the figure. At this end, particle
oscillate with double amplitude, therefore following point can be concluded.
(a) After reflection from free end, shape of the pulse remain same as shown in the figure.
Incident pulse intermediate state reflected pulse
(b) There is no phase difference between incident and reflected wave at the point of reflection.
Example for free end :
A wave pulse is moving towards right with wave speed 1 cm/sec. Let us consider an imaginary wave
moving towards left with same speed.
1 cm/sec 1 cm/sec
t=0 (Imaginary)
2 cm
 Digital [31]
resultant wave
t=3sec
1 cm/sec
resultant wave
t=2.5 sec
Example for fixed end :

A wave pulse is moving towards right with wave speed 1 cm/sec. Let us consider an imaginary wave
moving towards left with same speed. The imaginary wave is inverted because there is a phase difference
of π between incident wave and reflected wave at point of reflection.
1 cm/sec
3 cm
t=0
3 cm
1 cm/sec
t=3sec
t=2.5 sec
 Digital [32]
Illustration 35:
A pulse travelling with speed v=1 cm/sec in a string is shown at t=0, moving towards fixed end. Draw the
pulse after it completely gets reflected from fixed end.
1 cm/sec
Fixed
Solution:
Let us consider an imaginary inverted pulse moving towards left with same speed.
Shape of pulse before reflection from fixed end
1 cm/sec
Fixed
1 cm/sec
Shape of pulse after reflection from fixed end
1 cm/sec
Illustration 36:
A small pulse travelling with speed v in a string is shown at t=0, moving towards free end. Which of these
is not CORRECTLY matched?
L/2
x=0 v x=L
t=0
s<<L free end

free end L
L
(i) t = (P)
v
2L
(ii) t = (Q)
v
3L
(iii) t = (R)
v
(A) (i) (B) (ii) (C) (iii) (D) None of these
Ans. (B)
 Digital [33]
Illustration 37:
Consider a incident wave y = A sin ( kx − t ) . It gets reflected at x = 0 which is fixed end
(a) Find equation of reflected wave?

(b) If loss of energy is 19%, find equation of reflected wave.
Solution:
(a) If we put x=0 in the wave equation we will get the equation of motion of particle i.e.,
y = A sin ( −t )
Or y = A sin ( t + )
Therefor equation of the motion of particle present on reflected wave at x=0 is

x
Also y = A sin ( t +  + ) we will get the equation of reflected wave if we put t + in place of t,
v
therefore equation of reflected wave will be given by
y = A sin ( t + kx + 2) .
(b) In this case, amplitude become 0.9A.

So equation of reflected wave will be given by
y = 0.9Asin ( t + kx + 2) .
Standing waves :
Suppose two sine waves of equal amplitude and frequency propagate on a long string in opposite
directions. The equations of the two waves are given by
y1 = A sin (t – kx) and y2 = A sin (t + kx + ).
These waves interfere to produce standing waves. To understand these waves, let us discuss the special
case when =0.
The resultant displacements of the particles of the string are given by the principle of superposition as
y = y1 + y2
= A [sin (t – kx) + sin(t + kx)] = 2A sin t cos kx
or, y = (2A cos kx) sin t.
This is the required result and from this we can say that:
2 y 1 2 y
1. As this equation satisfies the wave equation, =
x 2 v 2  t 2
it represents a wave. However, as it is not of the form f(ax ± bt), the wave is not travelling and so is
called standing or stationary wave.
2. The amplitude of the wave As = 2A cos kx is not constant but varies periodically with position (and
not with time as in beats).
 Digital [34]
3. The points for which amplitude is minimum are called nodes and for these
 3 5
cos kx = 0, i.e., kx = , ,
2 2 2
 3 5  2 
i.e., x= , , , .... as k =  
4 4 4  
i.e., in a stationary wave, nodes are equally spaced.
4. The points for which amplitude is maximum are called antinodes and for these,
cos kx = ± 1, i.e., kx = 0,  2, 3 ......
 2 3  2 
i.e., x = 0, , , ,.... as k =  
2 2 2  
i.e., like nodes, antinodes are also equally spaced with spacing (/2) and Amax = ± 2A. Furthermore,
nodes and antinodes are alternate with spacing (/4).
5. The nodes divide the medium into segments (or loops). All the particles in a segment vibrate in
same phase, but in opposite phase with the particles in the adjacent segment. Twice in one period
all the particles pass through their mean position simultaneously with maximum velocity (As), the
direction of motion being reversed after each half cycle.
Node
t=0
t=T/8
t=T/4
x
t=3T/8
x
t=T/2
x
t=5T/8
x
t=3T/4
x
t=7T/8
x
t=T
Antinode
 Digital [35]
6. Standing waves can be transverse or longitudinal, e.g., in strings (under tension) if reflected wave
exists, the waves are transverse-stationary, while in organ pipes waves are longitudinal-stationary.
7. As in stationary waves nodes are permanently at rest, so no energy can be transmitted across
them, i.e., energy of one region (segment) is confined in that region. However, this energy
oscillates between elastic potential energy and kinetic energy of the particles of the medium.
When all the particles are at their extreme positions KE is minimum while elastic PE is maximum (as
shown in figure A), and when all the particles (simultaneously) pass through their mean position KE
will be maximum while elastic PE minimum (Figure B). The total energy confined in a segment
(elastic PE + KE), always remains the same.
sting
v=0 v=min =0
y
Elastic PE = max = E
Kinetic energy = min = 0
(A)
sting
v=max.=As 
y
Elastic PE = min = 0
Kinetic energy = max = E
(B)
Illustration 38:
Two waves travelling in opposite directions produce a standing wave. The individual wave functions are
y1 = (4 cm) sin (3x – 2t)
y2 = (4 cm) sin (3x + 2t)
where x and y are in centimeter.
(a) Find the maximum displacement of a particle of the medium at x = 2.3 cm.
(b) Find the position of the nodes and antinodes.
 Digital [36]
Solution:
(a) When the two waves interfere, the result is a standing wave whose mathematical representation is
given by equation, with A = 4 cm and k = 3 rad/cm;
y = (2A sin kx) cos t = [(8 cm) sin 3 x] cos 2 t
Thus, the maximum displacement of a particle at the position x = 2.3 cm is
ymax = [(8 cm) sin 3x]x = 2.3 cm = (8 m) sin (6.9 rad) = 4.6 cm
(b) Because k = 2 = 3 rad/cm, we see that  = 2/3cm. Therefore, the antinodes are located at

x = n   cm (n = 1, 3, 5, .....)
6
and the nodes are located at

x = n   cm (n = 1, 2, 3, .....)
3
Illustration 39:
Two travelling waves of equal amplitudes and equal frequencies move in opposite direction along a string.
They interfere to produce a standing wave having the equation.
y = A cos kx sin t
in which A = 1.0 mm, k = 1.57 cm–1 and  = 78.5 s–1. (a) Find the velocity and amplitude of the component
travelling waves. (b) Find the node closest to the origin in the region x > 0. (c) Find the antinode closest to
the origin in the region x > 0. (d) Find the amplitude of the particle at x = 2.33 cm.
Solution:
(a) The standing wave is formed by the superposition of the waves
A A
y1 = sin (t – kx) and y2 = sin (t + kx).
2 2
The wave speed of either of the waves is
 78.5 s −1
v= = = 50 cm/s; Amplitude = 0.5 mm.
k 1.57 cm−1
(b) For a node, cos kx = 0.
The smallest positive x satisfying this relation is given by
 3.14
kx = /2 or, x= = = 1 cm
2k 2  1.57cm−1
(c) For an antinode, |cos kx| = 1.
The smallest positive x satisfying this relation is given by

kx =  or, x= = 2 cm
k
(d) The amplitude of vibration of the particle at x is given by | A cos kx |. For the given point,
7 
kx = (1.57 cm–1) (2.33 cm) = =+ .
6 6
3
Thus, the amplitude will be (1 mm) | cos ( + 6) | = mm = 0.86 mm.
2
 Digital [37]
Vibration of string :
(a) Fixed at both ends : Suppose a string of length L is kept fixed at the ends x = 0 and x = L. In such
a system suppose we send a continuous sinusoidal wave of a certain frequency, say, toward the
right. When the wave reaches the right end. It gets reflected and begins to travel back. The left-
going wave then overlaps the wave, which is still travelling to the right. When the left-going wave
reaches the left end, it gets reflected again and the newly reflected wave begins to travel to the
right. overlapping the left-going wave. This process will continue and, therefore, very soon we have
many overlapping waves, which interfere with one another. In such a system, at any point x and at
any time t, there are always two waves, one moving to the left and another to the right. We,
therefore, have
y1(x, t) = Asin (kx – t) (wave travelling in the positive direction of x-axis)
and y2(x, t) = Asin (kx + t) (wave travelling in the negative direction of x-axis).
The principle of superposition gives, for the combined wave

y’(x, t) = y1(x, t) + y2(x, t)
= Asin (kx – t) + Asin (kx + t)
= (2Asin kx) cos t
It is seen that the points of maximum or minimum amplitude stay at one position.
Nodes : The amplitude is zero for values of kx that give sin kx = 0 i.e. for,
kx = n, for n = 0, 1, 2, 3,.....
Substituting k = 2 in this equation, we get


x=n , for n = 0, 1, 2, 3,.....
2

The positions of zero amplitude are called the nodes. Note that a distance of or half a
2
wavelength separates two consecutive nodes.
Antinodes : The amplitude has a maximum value of 2A, which occurs for the values of kx that give
|sin kx| = 1. Those values are
kx = (n + 1/2) for n = 0, 1, 2, 3,....
Substituting k = 2 in this equation, we get.


x = (n + 1/2) for n = 0, 1, 2, 3,....
2
as the positions of maximum amplitude. These are called the antinodes. The antinodes are separated by
/2 and are located half way between pairs of nodes.
 Digital [38]
For a stretched string of length L, fixed at both ends, one end is chosen as position x = 0, and the other end is x
= L. In order that this end is a node;

L=n , for n = 1, 2, 3,....
2
This condition shows that standing waves on a string of length L have restricted wavelength given by
2L
= , for n = 1, 2, 3,.....
n
The frequencies corresponding to these wavelengths follow from Eq. as
v
f=n , for n = 1, 2, 3,.....
2L
where v is the speed of travelling waves on the string. The set of frequencies given by equation are called
the natural frequencies or modes of oscillation of the system. This equation tells us that the natural
v
frequencies of a string are integral multiples of the lowest frequency f0 = , which corresponds to n = 1.
2L
The oscillation mode with that lowest frequency is called the fundamental mode or the first harmonic. The
second harmonic or first overtone is the oscillation mode with n = 2. The third harmonic and second
overtone corresponds to n = 3 and so on. The frequencies associated with these modes are often labeled
as f1, f2, f3 and so on. The collection of all possible modes is called the harmonic series and n is called the
harmonic number.
Some of the harmonic of a stretched string fixed at both the ends are shown in figure.
 Digital [39]
Illustration 40:
A middle C string on a piano has a fundamental frequency of 262 Hz, and the A note has fundamental
frequency of 440 Hz. (a) Calculate the frequencies of the next two harmonics of the C string. (b) If the
strings for the A and C notes are assumed to have the same mass per unit length and the same length,
determine the ratio of tensions in the two strings.
Solution:
(a) Because f1 = 262 Hz for the C string, we can use Equation to find the frequencies f2 and f3;
f2 = 2f1 = 524 Hz
f3 = 3f1 = 786 Hz
(b) Using Equation for the two strings vibrating at their fundamental frequencies gives
1 TA
f1A =
2L 
1 TC
f1C =
2L 
2 2
f1 A TA TA f   440 Hz 
 =  =  1A  =   = 2.82
f 1C TC TC  f1C   262 Hz 
Illustration 41:
A wire having a linear mass density 10–3 kg/m is stretched between two rigid supports with a tension of 90
N. The wire resonates at a frequency of 350 Hz. The next higher frequency at which the same wire
resonates is 420 Hz. Find the length of the wire.
Solution:
Suppose the wire vibrates at 350 Hz in its nth harmonic and at 420 Hz in its (n + 1)th harmonic.
n F
350 = .....(i)
2L 
(n + 1) F
and 420 = .....(ii)
2L 
420 n + 1
This gives = or, n = 5.
350 n
Putting the value in (i),
5 90 5
350 =  350 = × 300
2 10−3 2
1500 15
= = m = 2.1 m
700 7
 Digital [40]
Illustration 42:
1
Given = 4 & ‘O’ is node.
2
Find 2
such that when the strings resonate there is 2nd harmonic in string-1 & 3rd harmonic in string-2
1
Solution:
Tension & f same in both string
2 T 3 T
=
2 1 1 2 2 2
3 1
2
=
1 2 2
2
=3
1
(b) Fixed at one end : Standing waves can be produced on a string which is fixed at one end and
whose other end is free to move in a transverse direction. Such a free end can be nearly achieved
by connecting the string to a very light thread.
If the vibrations are produced by a source of “correct” frequency, standing waves are produced. If
the end x = 0 is fixed and x = L is free, the equation is again given by
y = 2A sin kx cos t
with the boundary condition that x = L is an antinode. The boundary condition that x = 0 is a node
is automatically satisfied by the above equation. For x = L to be an antinode,
sin kL = ± 1
 1 2L  1
or, kL =  n +   or, = n+  
 2   2
1
2Lf 1 1 v n+
 2
or, =n+ or, f = n+  = T /  .....
v 2  2  2 L 2 L
These are the normal frequencies of vibration. The fundamental frequency is obtained when n = 0,
i.e.,
f0 = v/4L (a)
 Digital [41]
The overtone frequencies are
3v
f1 = = 3f0 (b)
4L
5v
f2 = = 5f0 (c) s
4L
We see that all the harmonic of the fundamental are not the allowed frequencies for the standing
waves. Only the odd harmonics are the overtones. Figure shows shapes of the string for some of
the normal modes.
Laws of transverse vibrations of a string - sonometer wire

1 f1 L2
(a) Law of length f so = ; if T &  are constant
L f2 L1
f1 T
(b) Law of tension f  T so = 1 ; L &  are constant
f2 T2
1 f1 2
(c) Law of mass f so = ; T & L are constant
 f2 1
Energy density of string carrying standing wave: we have already evaluated the expressions of
potential
energy and kinetic energy of a differential element present on string in case of travelling wave, which can
be used here also but function representing displacement of particle y = f (x, t) will change. Let us consider
a standing wave y = A sin(kx) sin(t) to calculate energy density. Then,
y
= A sin ( kx ) cos ( t ) …. (1)
t
y
= Ak cos ( kx ) sin ( t ) …. (2)
x
y 1 y
Since in case of standing wave − , therefore in this case kinetic and potential energy of an
x v t
element are not equal.
Kinetic energy of an element for the above assumed wave is
2
1  y  1
dK =  ( dx )   = A22 sin2 ( kx ) cos2 ( t )( dx )
2  t  2
Where µ is linear mass density of string.
Potential energy of the element will be given by
2
1  y  1
dU = T ( dx )   = TA2k 2 cos2 ( kx ) sin2 ( t )( dx )
2  x  2
 Digital [42]
Therefor total energy density of element will be given by

2 2
dE dK dU 1  y  1  y 
= + =  + T
dx dx dx 2  t  2  x 
1 1
= A22 sin2 ( kx ) cos2 ( t ) + TA2k 2 cos2 ( kx ) sin2 ( t ) … (3)
2 2
Few important points regarding energy of standing wave in strings:

y
(1) Since (slope) at antinode is always zero, therefor potential energy of an element at this point is
x
always zero.
y
(2) Since (velocity) of element at node is always zero therefor kinetic energy of an element at node
t
is always zero.
(3) If we integrate the total mechanical energy from equation (3) for one loop, we will find that this
energy is coming independent of time and is equal to
1
E = A22
8
Therefor energy of a loop remains conserved in standing wave.
Power analysis in standing wave on string:

We have already derived the expression of power in case of travelling wave which can be used here also.
 y  y 
P = −T    ….. (4)
 x  t 
If the equation of standing wave is y = A sin(kx) sin(t)
Then P = −TA2kcos ( kx ) sin ( t ) sin ( kx ) cos ( t )
1
= − TA2k sin ( 2kx ) sin (2t )
4
From the above equation, we can find value of power transmission at any point.
Few important points regarding power transmission in standing wave on string:

y
(1) Since value of (slope) at antinode is always zero, therefor according to equation (4), power
x
transmission through antinode is always zero.
y
(2) Since value of (velocity) of element at node is always zero, therefor according to equation (4),
t
power transmission through node is always zero.
(3) On combining above two points it can be concluded that energy stored in one loop or even in half
loop remain conserved.
 Digital [43]

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Wave on String

Based on medium Based on Motion Based on Energy Based on direction

Mechanical Electro magnetic

One dimensional Two dimensional Three dimensional

Properties of mechanical waves:

(b) Electromagnetic waves: Material medium is not required for propagation.

Based on the motion of particles of medium:

Transverse waves Longitudinal waves

Longitudinal wave in a fluid

Transverse wave on a string

Transverse waves Longitudinal waves

Transverse waves can be polarised. Longitudinal waves can not be polarised.

Based on energy propagation:

Based on direction of Propagation:

Examples based on Classification of waves

Different physical interpretation of wave function:

(A) Pulse at time t = 0 (B) Pulse after time t

If the wave pulse is travelling along – x-axis then y = f (x + vt)

wave velocity & wave function.

y=x2+2x at t=0 and wave is travelling in -x direction with speed 3m/s.

Replace x by x+vt where v=3

y=4x at t=1 and wave is travelling in -x direction with speed 3m/s.

Replace x by x+v (t–t0) where v=3 and t0 = 1

Wave function when equation of motion of particle is given:

This can also be expressed as

y(x, t) = g(x – vt)

Taking the derivative w.r.t. time

Travelling Sine wave in one Dimension (wave on string)

Analysis of sinusoidal wave y=Asin(ωt-kx):

2. Shape of the wave on string at t=𝑡0 will be given by

Below is the graph of equation 2

Now the equation (1) can be written as

Velocity and acceleration of particle present on wave:

(A) 70 s (B) 60 s (C) 12 s (D) 3 s

Velocity of the wave is v =  = 500 × 0.2 = 100 m/s.

(A) 100 cm (B) 2 cm (C) 5 cm (D) None of these

Standard equation : y = A cos (t − k x )

Given equation : y = 3 cos (100  t −  x )

(A) A wave length of 0.25 m and travels in + ve x-direction

(B) A wavelength of 0.25 m and travels in + ve y-direction

(C) A wavelength of 0.5 m and travels in – ve y-direction

(D) A wavelength of 0.5 m and travels in – ve x-direction

From given equation k = 12.56

(A) What is the amplitude of this wave?

(C) What is the velocity of this wave?

(D) What is the displacement y at x = 22.5 cm and t = 18.9 s?

(A) ym = 0.00327 = 3.27 mm

(D) y( x , t ) = 0.00327sin(72.1  0.225 − 2.72  18.9)

The Linear Wave Equation

= A cos (t – kx + ) .....(1)

= –2 A sin (t – kx + ) .....(2)

and hence vy, max = A

ay, max = 2A

= –kA cos (t – kx + ) .....(3)

By taking partial derivatives of this function w.r.t. x and t

yP Slope of y–x vP aP=–2 y

The Speed of Transverse waves on strings

This velocity depends on two properties of the string.

(a) Elasticity (measured by tension F in the string)