Key relationship
y=A sin(kx−ωt); k=2π/λ; ω=2πf; v=ω/k=fλ.
Physics · Class 11
Control a traveling harmonic wave
The traveling-wave phase advances along the medium as time passes. Frequency sets the oscillation rate and wavelength sets the spatial repetition. Together they determine the propagation speed.
Open the interactive experiment →Control a traveling harmonic wave
பயணிக்கும் அலையின் வேகம் v = fλ. இடைவெளியில் அலைநீளமும் நேரத்தில் காலமும் மீளும் வடிவத்தைக் குறிக்கும்.
Key notes, relationships and model limits
Remember
The traveling-wave phase advances along the medium as time passes. Frequency sets the oscillation rate and wavelength sets the spatial repetition. Together they determine the propagation speed.
Common trap
Frequency and wavelength cannot be changed independently at fixed medium speed without changing the wave-speed model.
Model limits
Undamped harmonic wave traveling in the positive x direction. Spatial profile updates with time; the highlighted marker is one fixed observation point.
What you will learn
Read traveling-wave displacement and distinguish spatial and temporal periods.
Try the experiment
Try both scenarios, change one control, and predict the result before checking the graph and readouts.
Think of it this way
Change one input while keeping the others fixed, as you would in a controlled experiment.
Worked example
At x=4 m and t=0, phase=4π and y=0. After 0.5 s, the phase is 3.5π and y=−0.5 m for A=0.5 m.
Why this matters
The model connects control a traveling harmonic wave with an observable reading. Check the equation and assumptions before applying it.
Before you start
SI units · algebra · graph reading
Check your understanding
A 0.5 Hz wave has wavelength 2 m. What is its speed?
- 4 m/s
- 1 m/s
- 0.25 m/s
Read the explanation
v=fλ=0.5×2=1 m/s.
Course connection: Class XI Chapter 14. Consult the roadmap for CBSE, NEET, JEE Main and Advanced scope.