A travelling harmonic wave is y(x,t) = 2.0 cos[2π(10t − 0.0080x + 0.35)], where x and y are in cm and t is in seconds. Find the phase difference between points separated by 0.5 m.
Physics · Mixed Chapter
NEET 2026

Question

A travelling harmonic wave is y(x,t) = 2.0 cos[2π(10t − 0.0080x + 0.35)], where x and y are in cm and t is in seconds. Find the phase difference between points separated by 0.5 m.

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

Step 1: Compare the wave with y = A cos(ωt − kx + φ₀). The wave number is k = 2π × 0.0080 rad·cm⁻¹. Step 2: Separation Δx = 0.5 m = 50 cm. Step 3: Magnitude of phase difference is Δφ = kΔx. Step 4: Δφ = 2π × 0.0080 × 50 = 0.8π rad. Final answer: 0.8π rad (Option C).