Transverse Wave Stretched String
As a typical example of wave motion in one-dimension, let us consider the transverse harmonic waves on a long, taut string. We assume that in equilibrium position, the string is horizontal (along X-axis) under sufficient tension T so that we can neglect the effect of gravity.
If the string is sufficiently long, it is possible to set up of a harmonic wave moving in one direction on it by making transverse SHM of one of its free ends, at x = 0. (The other end is too far off so that we are not immediately concerned whether it is free or fixed.)
We look at a small portion AB of length δ x which is displaced in the vertical plane by a small amount from its equilibrium position. In the displaced position of the string, the tensions on the part AB are T (x) and T (x + δ x), as shown in fig. acting tangentially to the string at points A and B. Neglecting gravity, the vertical and horizontal components of resultant force on AB are
Fv = T (x + δx) sin (θ + δ θ) – T (x) sin θ
and, FH = T (x + δx) cos (θ + δ θ) – T (x) cos θ
For small displacements, we assume that tension in the string does not vary appreciably from point to point, so that T (x + δx) ≃ T (x) = T. Further, small displacement implies that angles θ etc. are small so that we approximately put
sin (θ + δ θ) ≃ tan (θ + δ θ) and sin θ ≃ tan θ
cos (θ + δ θ) ≃ cos (θ) ≃ 1
Hence, we get FH = 0
and, Fv = T(tan (θ + δ θ) – tan θ) = T δ (tan θ)
Since tan θ = ∂y/∂x , where y denotes the displacement along vertical direction, we have
where m is the mass of the portion AB of string. If we write 
as the mass per unit length of the string, we have m = δ x. Hence, we get
That is, the equation of motion for the small piece of string is a wave equation of the type, where the wave velocity is given by
The wave velocity depends only on the characteristics of string, i.e. its mass per unit length and tension T. All kinds of disturbances travel with the same velocity v, for a given and T. Hence, if we move one end of the string up and down in SHM of amplitude A and frequency v, the disturbance moves along the string as a travelling harmonic wave given by
y (x, t) = A sin (2 π)/λ (x – vt)
where wavelength λ = v/v’.
If we vibrate the x = 0 end of the string between time t = t1 to t = t2 and then stop, then there would appear on the string a train of sine (or cosine) waves of limited extent, contained at any instant, between x = x1 to x = x2 such that
x2 – x1 = v (t2 – t1)
We call such a limited disturbance as a wave train which contains (x2 – x1)/λ number of waves, corresponding to (t2 – t1)/T oscillations performed at x = 0 end. On the other hand, if there is continuous vibration of free end, we get a continuous stream of waves. Note that in general a disturbance may be a continuous pattern, a finite wave train, or just a brief pulse.
Services: - Transverse Wave Stretched String Homework | Transverse Wave Stretched String Homework Help | Transverse Wave Stretched String Homework Help Services | Live Transverse Wave Stretched String Homework Help | Transverse Wave Stretched String Homework Tutors | Online Transverse Wave Stretched String Homework Help | Transverse Wave Stretched String Tutors | Online Transverse Wave Stretched String Tutors | Transverse Wave Stretched String Homework Services | Transverse Wave Stretched String