Physics 151: Computerized Recitation #10

Wave Motion


This recitation will focus on wave motion and the superposition of waves. Please experiment with the Physlet simulations below and complete the required calculations on your worksheet.




Simulation 1: Parameters of a Traveling Wave

The physlet above displays a traveling harmonic wave. You can control the wavelength, amplitude, and period of the animated wave and the resulting frequency and velocity are then given.

Select Wavelength (m): Select Amplitude (m): Select Period (s):

Output Frequency (s-1):Output Velocity (m/s):

Suggestions for Exploration


Simulation 2: Superposition of Waves

The physlet above allow you to view the superposition of two traveling harmonic waves. You can control the wavelengths, amplitudes, and velocities of the waves. Giving a wave a negative amplitude is effectively shifting it by half a cycle (or 180°).

Select 1st Wavelength (m): Select 1st Amplitude (m): Select 1st Velocity (m/s):
Select 2nd Wavelength (m): Select 2nd Amplitude (m): Select 2nd Velocity (m/s):

Suggestions for Exploration

This simulation has the superposition of waves of different frequencies - which yields a beat pattern. The beat frequency is the absolute value of the difference between the two frequencies (0.5 Hz).

  • Worksheet: Run the simulator for the following combinations of variables and describe the pattern that you see.
    • Superposition1st λ1st Amp1st v2nd λ2nd Amp2nd v
    #121221-2
    #221181-1


    Simulation 3: Standing Waves on a String

    The physlet above displays a standing wave on a string with fixed ends. The string is 27.4 m long and waves travel at a velocity of 10 m/s on the string.

    Select Harmonic:

    Output Frequency (s-1):Output Wavelength (m):

    Suggestions for Exploration