A transverse wave is travelling along a horizontal string. The first picture shows the shape of the string at an instant of time. This picture is superimposed on a coordinate system to help you make any necessary measurements. The second picture is a graph of the vertical displacement of one point along the string as a function of time. How far does this wave travel along the string in one second?

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Add the waves as phasors. For two amplitudes A₁,A₂ with phase difference φ, A² = A₁² + A₂² + 2A₁A₂ cosφ. Step 2: Intensity is proportional to A²; constructive/destructive conditions are Δ = nλ and Δ = (n+½)λ. Step 3: Apply the stated phases/path differences. Final: B: 3.0 cm.