Two waves are traveling on two different strings.The displacement of one is given by y₁(x,t)= y_msin(kx + $ \omega $t)and of the other by y₂(x,t)= y_msin(kx + $ \omega $t + φ).What is the difference between these two waves? A)The displacement of wave y₁ is always greater than the displacement of wave y₂. B)Wave y₁ has a smaller amplitude than wave y₂. C)Wave y₁ has a higher frequency than wave y₂. D)Wave y₁ has a shorter wavelength than wave y₂. E)The two waves are identical except for their displacement at time t = 0.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The only difference between the two waves is the phase shift represented by the constant φ in the second wave equation. This phase shift only affects the initial displacement of the wave at time t = 0, but does not affect any other properties such as amplitude, frequency, or wavelength. Therefore, the correct choice is E, which states that the two waves are identical except for their displacement at time t = 0.

Two Waves Are Traveling on Two Different Strings ω \omega ω

Two Waves Are Traveling on Two Different Strings $\omega$