Final answer:
The physics concept of a transverse wave is characterized by parameters such as amplitude, angular frequency, and wave velocity. Equations from wave mechanics are used to derive properties like wave speed. Temperature affects the speed of sound, so a sensor calibrated at a different temperature will have a measurement error.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transverse Waves in Physics
In physics, a wave function describes how a wave varies in space and time. The wave function y(x, t) = 0.15 m sin(4.5 rad/s × t) represents a transverse wave traveling along a string, where y(t) is the displacement at a point on the string at time t, a = 0.15 m is the amplitude of the wave, and ω = 4.5 rad/s is the angular frequency.
To analyze the wave properties like wave speed, wave number, and angular frequency, equations related to harmonic motion and wave mechanics are used. For example, the wave speed (v) can be found from the wave number (k) and angular frequency (ω) using the formula v = ω/k. The amplitude of a wave describes the maximum displacement of points on the string from their rest positions, and is a key characteristic of wave motion.
In the case of temperature affecting the speed of sound, this will cause a deviation from the calibrated range finder's readings, and the percentage of error can be estimated based on the change in temperature and the known dependence of sound speed on temperature. This demonstrates the importance of calibration under consistent conditions for accurate measurements.