Ariel claims that a pulse is described by the equation where x and y are measured in cm and t in s. Miranda says that it is not possible to represent a pulse with this function because a wave must be a function of x + vt or x − vt. Which one, if either, is correct, and why? A) Ariel, because x² - 6.0xt + 9t² = (x - 3.0t)². B) Ariel, because a pulse is not an infinite wave. C) Miranda, because (x - 3.0t)² is the same as (3.0t - x)². D) Miranda, because a pulse is not an infinite wave. E) Miranda, because is infinite when x = 0.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ariel is correct because their equation can be rewritten as y = (x - 3.0t) which is a valid form for a pulse. This can be seen by rearranging the equation as follows: 11eb6adc_ee84_ebda_b0cf_27a9098c647c_TB8245_11 = y = 6.0xt - 9t² = (x - 3.0t)² This shows that the pulse is a function of x - vt, where v = 3.0 cm/s. Miranda's claim is incorrect because a pulse can be represented as a non-periodic function, so it does not need to be a function of x + vt or x - vt.

Ariel Claims That a Pulse Is Described by the Equation