03 Lecture 10
Last time we discussed the wave equation:
∂2ψ 2
2∂ ψ
= v
∂t2 ∂x2
Normal modes: standing waves!
(1)
∞
X
ψ(x, t) = Am sin(km x + αm ) sin(ωm t + βm )
m=1
(2) There is a special kind of solution:
ψ(x, t) = f (x − vp t)
for any functional form of f . Let τ ≡ x − vp t
∂f ∂f ∂τ ∂f
(i) = = · 1 = f 0 (τ )
∂x ∂τ ∂x ∂τ
∂2f
= f 00 (τ )
∂x2
∂f ∂f ∂τ ∂f
(ii) = = −vp = −vp f 0 (τ )
∂t ∂τ ∂t ∂t
∂2f
= vp2 f 00 (τ )
∂t2
From (i) and (ii):
∂2f ∂2f
2
= vp2 2
∂t ∂x
We’ve learned that f (τ ) satisfies the wave equation! You can also show that any function f (kx±ωt)
gives the same result, given ω = vp k
In which direction does it move in?
This works for any shape! This is not obvious, but it is is what is happening.
Wave equations are linear: this means that a linear combination of solutions is a solution.
(3) is different from a stationary string: instantaneous velocity in the region where cancellation
happens is not zero! I.e. the string is ready to produce the two outgoing progressing waves!
Energy stored in the string:
2
(1) Kinetic energy 12 mv 2
ρL ∂ψ 2
Z
⇒ dx
2 ∂t
Because dm = ρL dx (the differential mass is related to a infinitesimal length element by the density)
q
F · ds ⇒T dx2 + dψ 2 − dx
s
2
∂ψ
= T dx 1 + − dx
∂x
∂ψ
We have a small vibration so ∂x is small
2 !
1 ∂ψ
=T dx + dx − dx
2 ∂x
2
T ∂ψ
Z
dx
2 ∂x
Summary:
R T ∂ψ 2
Potential energy: dx
2 ∂x
2
R ρL ∂ψ
2 dx
Kinetic energy:
∂t
Example:
1
ψ(x, t) =
1 + (x − 3t)4
3
We can write ψ as f (x − 3t). The velocity is 3 and it is traveling to the right. Another way to find
the velocity is by using the wave equation:
s
∂2ψ ∂2ψ
v= /
∂t2 ∂x2
Finally, if you start with a stationary shape:
p
What will happen at t = T ? Can we predict? (Define v ≡ T /ρL )
(1) Brute force:
Decompose it into ∞ number of normal mode standing waves. Evolve ∞ of those waves
(2) Use g = f (x + vt) + f (x − vt). Velocity : ∂g 0
∂t = vf − vf
0
Similarly: normal modes can be decomposed into two traveling sine waves.
A few examples with string: Now we are connecting two systems with different densities, ρL and
4ρL
4
Assuming that the tension, T , is uniform.
s s
T T 1
v1 = v2 = = v1
ρL 4ρL 2
Suppose we have an incident wave with amplitude A
If the slope were not continuous there would be a huge acceleration at the junction!
5
Where we have the incident, reflected, and transmitted waves.
ω ω
k1 = k2 =
v1 v2
1. The amplitude of the transmitted and reflected wave is determined by the properties of the
two systems. “Impedance” in this case is Z = T /V
6
More examples:
Example 2 (driven massless ring):
7
Boundary conditions:
1. y x=0 = P (t) a driving force.
∂y
2. Tension force cancels the normal force: ⇒ − T ∂x =0
Example 3:
1. y x=0 = P (t)
∂y
2. −T ∂x − b ∂y
∂t = 0 (Where sin θ ≈
∂y
∂x )
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