Wave Equation

By: Bernarda, Gabriel C., Nicholas

Nicholas
The wave equation is an important second-order linear partial differential equation for the description of waves as they occur in physics such as sound waves, light waves and water waves. It arises in fields like acoustics, electromagnetic, and fluid dynamics. Historically, the problem of a vibrating string such as that of a musical instrument was studied by Jean le Rond d'Alembert,Leonhard Euler, Daniel Bernoulli, and Joseph-Louis Lagrange.

Parts of the wave

Time= 0 s Time= 0.25 period Time=0.50 period Time=0.75 period

Time=1.0 period

The equations to find wavelength,speed & frequency

The speed of a wave is also the wavelength/period. We can show this by using this equation

Example Questions:
A sound wave has a frequency of 3250 Hz and a wavelength of 0.1 m. What its velocity/speed? A sound wave travels with a velocity of 330 m/s. and has a frequency of 500 Hz. What its wavelength? A wave at the sea travels with a velocity 25 m/s. If it has a wavelength of 10 m, what is its frequency?

Answers:
V=3250*0.1 = 325 m/s Wavelength= 330/500 =0.66m f=25/10 =2.5 Hz

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf5aESZ0Fzg

Bibliography:
http://www.gcsescience.com/pwav5.htm http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/waves/u10l2e.c fm http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/intermediate2/physics/wa ves_and_optics/wave_equation/revision/1/