Question

To see how two traveling waves of the same frequency create a standing wave.

Consider a traveling wave described by the formula

y1(x,t)=Asin(kx−ωt).

This function might represent the lateral displacement of a string, a local electric field, the position of the surface of a body of water, or any of a number of other physical manifestations of waves.

a)

Part A

Part complete

Which one of the following statements about the wave described in the problem introduction is correct?

The wave is traveling in the +x direction.
The wave is traveling in the −x direction.
The wave is oscillating but not traveling.
The wave is traveling but not oscillating.

Answer 1

Answer: The wave is traveling in the - x direction.

Explanation: The parameter in a wave function determines the direction of the wave is "ωt"

Where ω = angular frequency(in hertz ) and t = time taken (in seconds)

The product of ωt = 2π which is angular displacement in radian.

A negative value of the of ωt means the wave is traveling in the negative direction.

Also a positive value of sin ωt means the wave is traveling in the positive direction