Chapter 16

Waves in One Dimension

Presented by Dr. Anosh Joseph

School of Physics

Consultation hours: Mondays 12:30 -13:15 and

Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:15 in P239 (Physics
Building)
Section 16.1: Representing Waves Graphically

A transverse wave is a wave in which

the medium movement is perpendicular
to the wave pulse movement.

For example, a wave pulse travels

along a string in a horizontal direction while
the particles that make up the string
move up and down.
Checkpoint 16.1

16.1 (a) Using the choice of axes shown

in Figure 16.3, draw a position versus
time graph showing how the x and y
components of the position of the large
bead change with time.
(b) Are the x and y components of the
velocity of the large bead positive, zero,
or negative while the bead is on the
leading edge of the pulse? Repeat for
the trailing edge.

Figure 16.3
Checkpoint 16.1

16.1 (a)

Figure 16.3
Checkpoint 16.1

16.1 (b)
The x component of the bead’s velocity
is always zero because the bead moves
in only the y direction. The y component
of the bead’s velocity is positive on the
leading edge of the pulse and negative
on the trailing edge.

Figure 16.3
Section 16.1: Representing Waves Graphically

As we can see from the figure,

it is important to realize that:
The motion of a wave (or of a single
wave pulse) is distinct from the
motion of the particles in the
medium that transmits the wave
(or pulse).

Figure 16.3
Checkpoint 16.2

16.2 (a) Is the wave speed c of

the pulse in Figure 16.3 constant?
(b) Determine that speed if the distance
between adjacent beads is 5.0 mm.

Figure 16.3
Checkpoint 16.2

16.2 (a) Yes. Using a ruler,

you can verify that the displacement
of the pulse from one frame to the
next is constant.

Figure 16.3
Checkpoint 16.2

16.2 (b) (b) Between t = 0 and

t = 0.36 s, the peak of the pulse moves
over 16 beads, which corresponds to a
displacement

Δx = (15)(5.0 mm) = 75 mm,

and so the wave speed is

c = (75 mm)/(0.36 s) = 0.21 m/s.

Figure 16.3
Section 16.1: Representing Waves Graphically

As the checkpoint on the previous

slide shows:

The wave speed c of a wave pulse

along a string is constant.

Figure 16.3
Section 16.1: Representing Waves Graphically

Figure 16.4, Part (a) shows a “snapshot” of a triangular pulse traveling

along a string.
The vector D ⃗ represents the displacement of one particular particle
located at a position x along the string at a given instant t.

Figure 16.4
Section 16.1: Representing Waves Graphically

The graphical representation of all the particle displacements at a

given instant is shown in part (b).
The curve gives the y components of the displacements of the
particles of the string as a function of the position x along the string.

This is called the wave function.

Section 16.1: Representing Waves Graphically

The wave pulse shown in part (a) can also

be represented by plotting the displacement
of one particle on the string as a
function of time.

Such a plot gives us the displacement

curve of the wave pulse.

Parts (c) and (d) show the displacement

curve for the particle at x = 0.0 m
and x = 1.0 m .
Checkpoint 16.4

16.4 (a) From Figure 16.4c and d,

Determine how long it takes the
pulse to travel from x = 0.0 m
to x = 1.0 m .
(b) Using your answer to part a,
determine the wave speed.
Checkpoint 16.4

16.4 (a)
The point at x = 0 reaches its
maximum height at t = 0.50 s.
The point at x = 1.0 m reaches its
maximum height at t = 1.0 s.
So, it takes the pulse 0.50 s to move
1.0 m.
Checkpoint 16.4

16.4 (b)
c = (1.0 m)/(0.50 s) = 2.0 m/s.
Section 16.1: Representing Waves Graphically

In a longitudinal wave, the medium

movement is parallel to the pulse
movement.

Here we see a longitudinal wave

propagating along a spring.

If you rapidly displace the left end

of the spring back and forth, a
disturbance travels down the spring.
Section 16.1: Clicker Question

A wave pulse is moving, as illustrated, with uniform speed v along a

rope. Which of the graphs 1–4 below correctly shows the relation
between the displacement s of point P and time t ?
Section 16.1: Clicker Question

A wave pulse is moving, as illustrated, with uniform speed v along a

rope. Which of the graphs 1–4 below correctly shows the relation
between the displacement s of point P and time t ?
Section 16.2: Wave Propagation

Let us consider a collection of

beads connected by short strings.
Section 16.2: Wave Propagation

Two important and counter intuitive

points:
Point 1:
When a particle of the string is
displaced from its equilibrium
position, its velocity v⃗ and
acceleration a ⃗ are determined only
by the initial disturbance and the
wave speed c.
Section 16.2: Wave Propagation

Two important and counter intuitive

points:
Point 2:
For a given disturbance,
high wave speeds yield wave pulses
that are stretched out.
Low wave speeds result in pulses
that are more compressed.
Section 16.2: Wave Propagation

As illustrated in the figure, we can determine that:

The speed c of a wave propagating along a string increases
with increasing tension in the string and decreases with increasing
mass per unit length along the string.
Section 16.2: Wave Propagation

If one end of a string is made to execute

a periodic motion, the resulting wave is called
a periodic wave.
A harmonic wave, shown in the figure,
is a type of periodic wave obtained by moving
the end of the string so that it oscillates
harmonically.
Section 16.2: Wave Propagation

A periodic wave repeats itself over a

distance called the wavelength,
denoted by λ.
Each time one point on the string executes
a complete oscillation, the wave advances
by one wavelength.

Therefore:
The wavelength of a periodic wave
is equal to the product of the wave speed
and the period of the wave motion.
Section 16.2: Wave Propagation

As shown in the figure, moving your

hand up and down more quickly
does not generate a faster-traveling
pulse.

To a good approximation,
we determine experimentally that:

The speed c of a wave

propagating along a string
is independent of the velocities v⃗
of the individual pieces of string.

The value of c is determined

entirely by the properties of
the medium.
Section 16.2: Wave Propagation

The figure illustrates how a

propagating wave pulse caries
two forms of energy along with it:
Kinetic energy associated with
individual particles.
Elastic potential energy associated
with the stretching of the string.
Check Point 16.11

16.11 Does the wave pulse in Fig. 16.11

also carry along momentum?
Justify your answer.
Check Point 16.11

16.11 Yes.
Imagine putting some object in the path
when the pulse displaces the string so that
the string hits the object, the object
is set in motion, and so the string has
transferred momentum to the object.
Section 16.2: Clicker Question

A wave is sent along a long spring by moving the left end rapidly to
the right and keeping it there. The figure shows the wave pulse at
QR—part RS of the long spring is as yet undisturbed. Which of the
graphs 1–5 correctly shows the relation between displacement
s and position x? (Displacements to the right are positive.)
Section 16.2: Clicker Question

A wave is sent along a long spring by moving the left end rapidly to
the right and keeping it there. The figure shows the wave pulse at
QR—part RS of the long spring is as yet undisturbed. Which of the
graphs 1–5 correctly shows the relation between displacement
s and position x? (Displacements to the right are positive.)
Section 16.3: Superposition of waves

Waves exhibit a property known as

the superposition of waves.

If two or more waves overlap in a

medium that obeys Hooke’s law,
then the resulting wave function
at any instant is the algebraic sum
of the individual waves.
Section 16.3: Superposition of waves

The phenomenon of two

waves overlapping is called
interference.
If two waves with the same sign
overlap, the resultant displacement
is greater than that of either wave.

This is called
constructive interference.
Section 16.3: Superposition of waves

If two waves of opposite signs

overlap, the resultant displacement
is smaller than that of either wave.
This is called
destructive interference.
Section 16.3: Superposition of waves

If two waves of same size

and shape but having opposite
signs cross each other, the
displacement of each wave cancels out.

A point that remains stationary

in a medium through which waves
move is called a node.
Section 16.3: Superposition of waves

The figure shows the energy makeup

of two pulses traveling in
opposite directions.

The instant the pulses overlap,

the displacement is zero and all
the energy is kinetic.

From this we can determine that:

A wave contains equal amounts of
kinetic energy and potential energy.
Section 16.3: Clicker Question

Two identical symmetric pulses of opposite amplitude travel along a

stretched string and interfere destructively. Which of the following
is/are true?

1. There is an instant at which the string is completely straight.

2. When the two pulses interfere, the energy of the pulses is
momentarily zero.
3. There is a point on the string that does not move up or down.
4. There are several points on the string that do not
move up or down.
Section 16.3: Clicker Question

Two identical symmetric pulses of opposite amplitude travel along a

stretched string and interfere destructively. Which of the following
is/are true?

1. There is an instant at which the string is completely straight.

2. When the two pulses interfere, the energy of the pulses is
momentarily zero.
3. There is a point on the string that does not move up or down.
4. There are several points on the string that do not
move up or down.
Section 16.4: Boundary E ects

When a wave pulse reaches a boundary

where the transmitting medium ends,
the pulse is reflected back.

Consider a pulse propagating along

a string that is anchored to an
immovable wall.

The leading edge of the pulse

pulls up on the wall, and the wall
pulls down on the string

Therefore, the reflected pulse is inverted.

ff
Checkpoint 16.14

16.14 The string in Fig. 16.16 is

perfectly straight at t4.
What has happened to the energy
in the incident pulse at that instant?
Checkpoint 16.14

16.14 Because the string is straight,

its elastic potential energy is zero,
which means all the energy is kinetic
energy. As Figure 16.16 shows, the pulse
is in the process of inverting itself and,
although the string is straight, every
particle within the wave pulse is in motion.
Section 16.4: Boundary E ects

The procedure for determining the

shape of a reflected wave pulse can be
illustrated using the example shown.
Draw an imaginary mirrored and inverted
pulse that travels opposite to the
incident pulse.
These two then interfere.
ff
Example 16.1

Example 16.1: Reflection from a fixed end

Consider a triangular wave pulse approaching the fixed end of a string
(Figure 16.18). Sketch the shape of the string (a) when a point halfway
up the leading edge of the pulse has reached the fixed end and
(b) when the peak of the pulse has reached the fixed end.
Example 16.1

Example 16.1: Reflection from a fixed end

1. Getting Started Begin by sketching the pulse at the two instants
given in the problem, pretending that the fixed end is not there, and no
reflection has occurred (Figure 16.19). Use a dashed line for the pulse
to indicate that this is not the actual shape of the string at these instants
(because reflection has occurred), and I draw a vertical line to indicate
the (horizontal) position of the fixed end.
Example 16.1

Example 16.1: Reflection from a fixed end

2. Devise Plan Once any part of the pulse reaches the fixed
end, reflection begins. To determine the pulse shape during
reflection, I must draw a reflected pulse that is both inverted
and reversed relative to the incident pulse and then add that
reflected pulse to my incident pulses in Figure 16.19.
Example 16.1

Example 16.1: Reflection from a fixed end

3. Execute Plan (a) At the fixed end, the sum of the displacement
of the incident pulse and the displacement of the reflected pulse is zero.
In the region where the two pulses do not overlap, the sum of the
displacements of the two pulses
is equal to the displacement of the trailing edge of the incident pulse
trailing edge of the incident pulse.
Example 16.1

Example 16.1: Reflection from a fixed end

3. Execute Plan Between this no-overlap region and the fixed end,
I add the dashed and dotted lines algebraically to determine
the shape of the string. The resulting shape is shown in Fig. 16.20a.
Example 16.1

Example 16.1: Reflection from a fixed end

3. Execute Plan (b) Following the same procedure yields
Figure 16.20b.
Section 16.4: Boundary E ects

Now let us consider reflection from

a free end.
As the figure shows, the reflected
wave in this case is not inverted.
Draw an imaginary mirrored, but not
inverted, pulse that travels opposite to
the incident pulse.
These two then interfere.
ff
Section 16.4: Boundary E ects

When a pulse reaches a boundary

between two different mediums, the
pulse is partially transmitted to the
second medium and partially reflected.
The mass per unit length of a string
is called the linear mass density μ
The nature of the reflected and
transmitted waves depends on
whether μ1 is greater or smaller
than μ2.
ff
Checkpoint 16.16

16.16 For the strings and pulse in

Fig. 16.24, what happens in the limit
where (a) μ2 → 0, (b) μ2 → ∞,
and (c) μ2 = μ1?
(d) Why is the transmitted pulse
In Fig. 16.24a wider than the incident
pulse?
Checkpoint 16.16

16.16 (a) When μ2 = 0 the boundary

becomes a free end, and so the
reflected pulse has the same
amplitude as the incident pulse
and nothing is transmitted to string 2.
Checkpoint 16.16

16.16 (b) When μ2 = ∞, the boundary

becomes fixed. Again, the inverted
(reflected) pulse has the same
amplitude as the incident pulse and
nothing is transmitted to string 2.
Checkpoint 16.16

16.16 (c) When μ2 = μ1, the strings

become one: There is no boundary
and so no reflection.
The pulse travels unchanged from
string 1 to string 2.
Checkpoint 16.16

16.16 (d) Because the wave speed is

greater in string 2, the transmitted
pulse is spread out more than the
incident pulse.
Section 16.4: Clicker Question

How does a pulse reflected from a fixed boundary differ

from the incident pulse? Answer all that apply.

1. There is no difference between the pulses.

2. The pulse is left-right reversed.
3. The pulse is inverted.
4. It is impossible to say without knowing the materials that
the medium and the boundary are made of.
Section 16.4: Clicker Question

How does a pulse reflected from a fixed boundary differ

from the incident pulse? Answer all that apply.

1. There is no difference between the pulses.

2. The pulse is left-right reversed.
3. The pulse is inverted.
4. It is impossible to say without knowing the materials that
the medium and the boundary are made of.
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

The figure shows a transverse wave on a string at t = 0 s

and at a later time, seen from the Earth reference frame
and the reference frame moving along with the pulse.
The wave has the same
shape when seen from
either reference frame.
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

DMy is the displacement of any particle on the string measured in the

reference frame moving along with the wave.
We can write DMy = f(x) where f(x) is called the time-independent
wave function.
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

Since xM = x − ct, we obtain

Dy = f(x − ct).
This equation describes
a wave traveling in the
positive x direction.

For a wave traveling in the

negative x direction:

Dy = f(x + ct).
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

Exercise 16.3 Traveling waves

(a) Consider the time-dependent wave function

Here, b = 0.80 and c = 2.0 m/s.

Plot the time-independent wave function for a few values of t to verify
that the function corresponds to a wave traveling in the positive
x direction at a speed of 2.0 m/s.
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

Exercise 16.3 Traveling waves

(b) Let the shape of the wave at t = 0 be described by the function
a
f(x,0) =
x2 + b

If the wave travels in the negative x direction, at a speed c,

what is the mathematical form of the time-dependent
wave function f(x, t)?
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

Exercise 16.3 Traveling waves

Solution (a)

Because I need to plot the function

versus x, I first add ct to each term in the
inequality:
0 < x − ct ≤ 1.0 m
and get

0 + ct < x − ct + ct ≤ (1.0 m) + ct
→ ct < x ≤ (1.0 m) + ct
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

Exercise 16.3 Traveling waves

Solution (a)
For t= 0, the function is non-zero when
0 < x ≤ 1.0 m

For t = 1 s, the function is non-zero when

2 m < x ≤ 3.0 m ← ct < x ≤ (1.0 m) + ct
For t = 2 s, the function is non-zero when
4 m < x ≤ 5.0 m
and so on…
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

Exercise 16.3 Traveling waves

Solution (a)
So, for t = 0, I plot the function 0.80 x
between 0 < x ≤ 1.0 m.
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

Exercise 16.3 Traveling waves

Solution (a)
So, for t = 0, I plot the function 0.80 x
between 0 < x ≤ 1.0 m.

For t= 1 s, I plot the function

0.80(x − 2.0 m) between
2 m < x ≤ 3.0 m.
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

Exercise 16.3 Traveling waves

Solution (a)
So, for t = 0, I plot the function 0.80 x
between 0 < x ≤ 1.0 m.

For t= 1 s, I plot the function

0.80(x − 2.0 m) between
2 m < x ≤ 3.0 m.
And so on…
See figure on the right.
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

Exercise 16.3 Traveling waves

Solution (a)
My graphs show a triangular wave that is
constant in shape and displaced
in the positive x direction by +2.0 m
each second.
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

Exercise 16.3 Traveling waves

Solution (b)
When viewed from a reference frame
traveling along with the wave,
the wave function does not depend on
time and has the form:
a
f(x, xM) = 2
xM + b
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

Exercise 16.3 Traveling waves

Solution (b)
Equation 16.2

f(xM) = f(x − ct)

gives me the relationship between the
displacement viewed from the Earth
reference frame and one moving along
with the pulse in the positive x direction.
Because the pulse in part b of this
exercise moves in the negative direction,
I have to invert the sign in front of the
speed c.
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

Exercise 16.3 Traveling waves

Solution (b)
So,
f(x + ct) = f(xM)
and
xM = x + ct

Substituting these relationships into f(xM),

I obtain the time-dependent wave function:
a
f(x, t) =
(x + ct)2 + b
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

Let us consider a transverse

harmonic wave traveling along a string.

We can see from part (b) that during

a time interval of one period, the wave
advances by a wavelength.

Because the wave moves at a speed c

and
1
f=
T
we get

λf = c
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

We have previously defined the angular frequency:

2π
ω = 2πf =
T
We define the wave number k as

2π
k=
λ
k has SI units of m−1.
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

For a transverse harmonic wave traveling in the positive

x direction, the y component of the displacement is

Dy = f(x, t) = A sin(kx − ωt + ϕi)

ϕi is the initial phase (the phase at x = 0, t = 0).

A is the amplitude.
Section 16.5: Wave Functions

Any wave can be expressed in terms of sinusoidally varying waves.

This is an application of Fourier’s theorem.
The figure shows a wave pulse obtained by adding
together a set of harmonic waves.
Checkpoint 16.17

16.17 (a) Which of the following functions could represent a traveling wave?

1. A cos(kx + ωt)
−k|x−ct|2
2. e
3. b(x − ct)2e −x
4. −(b 2t − x)2
Checkpoint 16.7

16.17 (a) Which of the following functions could represent a traveling wave?

1. A cos(kx + ωt)
−k|x−ct|2
2. e
3. b(x − ct)2e −x
4. −(b 2t − x)2

Answer: All but 3., which cannot represent a traveling wave because
the exponential factor e −x is not a function of (x ± ct).
Checkpoint 16.7

16.17 (b) Which of the following functions can be made into

a traveling wave?

1. x/(1 + bx 2)
2. xe −kx
3. x 2
Checkpoint 16.7

16.17 (b) Which of the following functions can be made into

a traveling wave?

1. x/(1 + bx 2)
2. xe −kx
3. x 2

Answer: All three. By substituting (x ± ct) for each x.

Section 16.6: Standing Waves

The figure shows the interference

between a incident harmonic wave
on a string and the reflected wave
from the fixed end of the string.

The points on the string that have

zero displacement are called nodes.

Halfway between the nodes are the

antinodes where the particles
in the medium oscillate with
maximum displacement.
Section 16.6: Standing Waves

The pulsating stationary pattern caused by harmonic waves

of the same amplitude traveling in opposite direction
is called a standing wave.
The figure illustrates how standing waves come about.
Checkpoint 16.18

16.18 (a) In the standing wave pattern of Figure 16.37, how is the energy
distributed between kinetic and potential at t = 0, t = T/8, and t = T/4?
Checkpoint 16.18

16.18 (b) Is the energy in a length of the string corresponding to one

wavelength constant?
Checkpoint 16.18

16.18 (c) Does the standing wave transport energy?

If so, in which direction? If not, why not?
Checkpoint 16.18

16.18 (a) In the standing wave pattern of Figure 16.37, how is the energy
distributed between kinetic and potential at t = 0, t = T/8, and t = T/4?
At t = 0, the string has zero velocity and so K = 0 and all the energy
is stored as elastic potential energy.

At t = T/8, the string is moving vertically and is not in the equilibrium

position, so the energy is distributed between kinetic and elastic
potential.

At t = T/4, the string is horizontal, so U = 0. All the energy is kinetic.

Checkpoint 16.18

16.18 (b) Is the energy in a length of the string corresponding to one

wavelength constant?
(b) Yes. Each particle of the string executes simple harmonic motion
about its equilibrium position (but different points have different
amplitudes - zero at the nodes, maximum at the anti-nodes).
Because the energy of a simple harmonic oscillator is constant, the
energy of any particle or any length of string is also constant.
Checkpoint 16.18

16.18 (c) Does the standing wave transport energy?

If so, in which direction? If not, why not?
(c) No. The amount of energy f1 carries rightward is equal to the amount
f2 carries leftward, so the combined flow of energy is zero.
Section 16.6: Standing Waves

A sinusoidal wave traveling to the right along the x-axis with

angular frequency ω, wave number k, and amplitude A is

D1y = f1(x, t) = A sin(kx − ωt)

The wave traveling to the left is

D2y = f2(x, t) = A sin(kx + ωt)

The combined wave is

Dy = f1(x, t) + f2(x, t) = A (sin(kx − ωt) + sin(kx + ωt))

Section 16.6: Standing Waves

By simplifying this using trigonometric identities, we get

Dy = f1(x, t) + f2(x, t)
= 2A sin(kx)cos(ωt)
= [2A sin(kx)]cos(ωt)
Section 16.6: Standing Waves

At points that are nodes in a standing wave sin(kx) must be zero.

Therefore, at these points kx = nπ, where n is a whole number.
Using the definition of k = 2π/λ, we obtain
2π
x = nπ n = 0, ± 1, ± 2,⋯
λ
Section 16.6: Standing Waves

So, the nodes occur at

λ 3λ
x = 0, ± , ± λ, ± , ⋯
2 2
Section 16.6: Standing Waves

Anti-nodes occur when sin kx = ± 1.

This requires that
nπ
kx = where n is an odd whole number.
2
So, the anti-nodes occur at
λ 3λ 5λ
x = ± , ± , ± ,⋯
4 4 4
Section 16.6: Clicker Question

A string is clamped at both ends and plucked so it vibrates in a standing mode

between two extreme positions a and b. Let upward motion correspond
to positive velocities. When the string is in position b, the instantaneous
velocity of points along the string

1. is zero everywhere.
1. is positive everywhere.
1. is negative everywhere.
1. depends on location.
Section 16.6: Clicker Question

A string is clamped at both ends and plucked so it vibrates in a standing mode

between two extreme positions a and b. Let upward motion correspond
to positive velocities. When the string is in position b, the instantaneous
velocity of points along the string

1. is zero everywhere.
1. is positive everywhere.
1. is negative everywhere.
1. depends on location.
Section 16.7: Wave Speed

The mass per unit length of a uniform string is called the

linear mass density μ

It is defined as:
m
μ= (Uniform linear object)
l

We can derive the wave speed of a transverse wave on a string

to be:

T
c=
μ

where T is the string tension.

Section 16.7: Clicker Question

A vibrating string is clamped at both ends, with one of the clamps

being a tension-adjustment screw. By what factor must you change
the tension in the string to double its frequency of vibration
without changing the wavelength?

1. 2
2. 1/2
3. 22
4. (1/2)2
5. 21/2
6. (1/2)1/2
7.None of the above.
Section 16.7: Clicker Question

A vibrating string is clamped at both ends, with one of the clamps

being a tension-adjustment screw. By what factor must you change
the tension in the string to double its frequency of vibration
without changing the wavelength?

1. 2
2. 1/2
3. 22 T
4. (1/2) 2 Use : f = cλ = λ
μ
5. 21/2
6. (1/2)1/2
7.None of the above.
Section 16.8: Energy Transport in Waves

Let Eλ denote the energy that must be supplied

over a period T to generate a wave on a string.

Then the average power that must be supplied

to generate the wave is given by

ΔE Eλ
Pav = =
Δt T
Section 16.8: Energy Transport in Waves

Using the figure we can show:

1
Eλ = μλω 2 A 2
2

And the average power is

1 2 2 1 2 2
Pav = μλω A /T = μA ω c
2 2
Section 16.8: Energy Transport in Waves

Example 16.5: Delivering Energy

A wire with linear mass density μ = 0.0500 kg/m
is held taut with a tension 100 N. At what rate must energy be
supplied to the wire to generate a traveling harmonic wave
that has a frequency of 500 Hz and an amplitude of 5 mm?
Section 16.8: Energy Transport in Waves

Example 16.5: Delivering Energy

1. Getting Started The rate at which energy must be supplied to the
wire is the power. Because none of the quantities given varies with
time, the (instantaneous) power is equal to the average power
which is given by Eq. 16.42.
Section 16.8: Energy Transport in Waves

Example 16.5: Delivering Energy

2. Device Plan To calculate the average power, I need to know μ and
A, both of which are given as well as ω and c. The angular frequency ω
is related to the frequency f by Eq. 15.4, ω = 2πf, and I can obtain
the wave speed c from Eq. 16.30.
Section 16.8: Energy Transport in Waves

Example 16.5: Delivering Energy

3. Execute Plan From Eq. 16.30, I obtain

T 100 N
c= = = 44.7 m/s
μ 0.0500 kg/m

Eq. 15.4 yields

ω = 2πf = 2π(500 Hz) = 3.14 × 103 s−1

Substituting these values into Eq. 16.42 gives
1
Pav = (0.0500 kg/m)(0.0050 m)2(3.14 × 103s−1)(44.7 m/s)
2
= 275 W
Section 16.8: Clicker Question

When you shake the end of a string to produce a wave, what

percentage of the energy you transfer to the string becomes
kinetic energy associated with the motion of the string? What percentage
becomes potential energy associated with the stretching of the string?

1. It is impossible to say
2. 50% kinetic and 50% potential
3. 0% kinetic and 100% potential
4. 100% kinetic and 0% potential
Section 16.8: Clicker Question

When you shake the end of a string to produce a wave, what

percentage of the energy you transfer to the string becomes
kinetic energy associated with the motion of the string? What percentage
becomes potential energy associated with the stretching of the string?

1. It is impossible to say
2. 50% kinetic and 50% potential
3. 0% kinetic and 100% potential
4. 100% kinetic and 0% potential
End