Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsWave Motion and Waves on a String
A travelling wave is passing along a string in the positive x -direction with a wave speed of 20 cm s ⁻¹ . The transverse displacements of the particles of the string at t = 0 are plotted in the associated figure. Determine the frequency of the wave.
Options
- A5 Hz
- B10 Hz
- C2.5 Hz
- D80 Hz
Correct answer
B. 10 Hz
Step-by-step solution
The given graph shows the displacement y of the particles of the string as a function of position x at time t = 0 . The wavelength of a wave is the distance over which the wave's shape repeats, which corresponds to the length of one complete cycle. From the graph, the wave starts a cycle at x = 0 , crosses the mean position at x = 2 cm (completing half a cycle), and returns to the same phase at x = 4 cm (completing one full cycle). Therefore, the wavelength is = 4 cm .