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Write the equation of a harmonic wave traveling along the x-direction at t=0 if it is known to have an amplitude of 5 m and a wavelength of 50 m.

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Final answer:

The equation of a harmonic wave with an amplitude of 5 m and a wavelength of 50 m traveling in the x-direction at t=0 is y(x, 0) = 5 m sin((2π/50 m⁻¹)x).

Step-by-step explanation:

The question revolves around writing the equation of a harmonic wave traveling in the x-direction at the specific time t=0. Given the amplitude of 5 m and a wavelength of 50 m, the wave equation can be expressed in the form:

y(x, t) = A sin(kx - ωt).

Since the wavelength (λ) is 50 m, then the wave number (k) is given by k = 2π/λ. Using the value of λ, we find that k = 2π/50 m⁻¹. At t=0, the angular frequency (ω) term drops out, simplifying our equation. Therefore, the equation of the wave at t=0 is:

y(x, 0) = 5 m sin((2π/50 m⁻¹)x).

This equation provides a snapshot of the wave along the x-axis at the initial moment.

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