Entrance Corner

Chapter Summary

As we have already read, in a wave motion a physical quantity \(y\) is made to oscillate at one point and these oscillations of \(y\) propagate to other places also.
Therefore, in a wave, several particles oscillate (unlike SHM in which normally a single oscillates).
So, to determine the value of \(y\) (from its mean position between \(+A\) and \(-A\) ) we will have to tell the position of the particle and time. Thus,
\(
y=f(\text { position of particle, time })
\)
In three-dimensional space, the position of the particle can be represented by three variable coordinates. Thus, in general, \(y\) is a function of four variables, three in coordinates and the fourth one is time.
But in physics, we normally keep least number of variables. If the wave is one-dimensional, then position of the particle can be represented by a single variable co-ordinate (say \(x\) ).

Thus, in a one-dimensional wave \(y\) is a function of two variables \(x\) and \(t\). Here, \(x\) is used for the position of the particle and \(t\) for time or
\(
y=f(x, t)
\)

Note: When dealing with a function of multiple variables, such as y, partial differentiation is used to find the derivative with respect to one variable while holding the others constant. Examples include \(\partial y / \partial x, \partial y / \partial t\), and \(\partial^2 y /\) \(\partial x^2\).
For example: If \(y=x^2+2 x t+t^2\), then:
\(\partial y / \partial x=2 x+2 t\) (treating \(t\) as a constant)
\(\partial y / \partial t=2 x+2 t\) (treating \(x\) as a constant)
\(\partial^2 y / \partial x^2=2\) (treating \(t\) as a constant)

Obviously, all functions will not represent a wave function. Only those functions of \(x\) and \(t\) will represent a wave function which satisfies the following three conditions.

Condition 1: The given function must satisfy the following differential equation :
\(
\left(\frac{\partial^2 y}{\partial t^2}\right)=k\left(\frac{\partial^2 y}{\partial x^2}\right) \dots(i)
\)
Here, \(k\) is a constant which is equal to the square of the wave velocity or
\(
k=v^2
\)
where \(v\) is the wave speed

Condition 2: The wave function must be single-valued. For given values of \(x\) and \(t\) there should be only one value of \(y\).

Condition 3: The wave function and its first derivative must be continuous. Therefore, there should not be a sudden change in the value of \(y\) and its first derivative (in some cases it will be called slope).

The general solution of Eq. (i) discussed above is of the form :
\(
y(x, t)=f(a x \pm b t) \dots(ii)
\)
Thus, any function of \(x\) and \(t\) which satisfies Eq. (i) and which can be written as Eq. (ii) represents a wave, provided conditions (2) and (3) are also satisfied.

If \(y(x, t)\) function is of this type (as shown in eq (ii)), then the following two conclusions can be drawn.

  • \(
    \text { Wave speed } v=\frac{\text { Coefficient of } t}{\text { Coefficient of } x}=\frac{b}{a}
    \)
  • If \(a x\) and \(b t\) are of the same sign (both positive or both negative), then the wave will be travelling along negative \(x\)-direction. If one is positive and the other is negative, then the wave travels in negative \(x\)-direction.
  • \(
    \text { Wave length } \lambda=\frac{2 \pi}{\text { Coefficient of } x}
    \)
  • \(
    \text { Time period } T=\frac{2 \pi}{\text { Coefficient of } t}
    \)
  • \(
    \text { Frequency } f=\frac{\text { Coefficient of } t}{2 \pi}
    \)

Plane Progressive Wave

If oscillations of \(y\) are simple harmonic in nature then the wave is called a plane progressive wave. It is of two types,

  • Transverse wave: A transverse wave is a wave where the particles of the medium move perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to the direction the wave travels.
  • Longitudinal wave: A longitudinal wave is a type of wave in which the medium’s vibration is parallel to the direction of the wave, and the medium’s displacement is in the same direction as that of the wave movement.

General equation of progressive harmonic wave is,
\(
y=A \sin (\omega t \pm k x \pm \phi) \quad \text { or } \quad y=A \cos (\omega t \pm k x \pm \phi)
\)


In these equations,

  • \(A\) is the amplitude of oscillation.
  • \(\omega\) is angular frequency and \(f\) is frequency of oscillation.
    \(
    T=\frac{2 \pi}{\omega}, \quad \omega=2 \pi f \quad \text { and } \quad f=\frac{1}{T}=\frac{\omega}{2 \pi}
    \)
  • \(k\) is wave number, \(k=\frac{2 \pi}{\lambda} \quad(\lambda\) is the wavelength \()\) (because its value is number of waves in \(2 \pi\) metres)
  • Wave speed \(v=\frac{{dx}}{{dt}}=\frac{\omega}{k}=f \lambda\) (it is valid for waves of any kind) \(\because \omega \mathrm{t}-\mathrm{kx}=\text { constant } \Rightarrow \frac{{dx}}{{dt}}=\frac{\omega}{{k}}\)
  • \(\phi\) is the initial phase angle (it is also called epoch), and
  • \((\omega t \pm k x \pm \phi)\) is the phase angle at time \(t\) at co-ordinate \(x\).
  • Relation between particle velocity \(v_p\) and wave velocity \(v\) is shown below:
    \(
    y=A \sin (\omega t-k x)
    \)
    \(
    v_p=\frac{d y}{d t}=A \omega \cos (\omega t-k x)
    \)
    \(
    {v}_{p}=-{v} \times \text { slope }=-v \frac{\partial y}{\partial x} \dots(i)
    \)
  • \(\text { Particle acceleration: } a_p=\frac{\partial^2 y}{\partial t^2}=-\omega^2 A \sin (\omega t-k x)=-\omega^2 y=-\omega^2 \text { (displacement) } \dots(ii)\)
    For particle \(1: v_p \downarrow\) and \(a_p \downarrow\)
    For particle \(2: v_p \uparrow\) and \(a_p \downarrow\)
    For particle \(3: v_p \uparrow\) and \(a_p \uparrow\)
    For particle \(4: v_p \downarrow\) and \(a_p \uparrow\)
    At 1 Slope of the curve is positive. Hence, from Eq. (i) particle velocity \(\left(v_P\right)\) is negative or downwards. Similarly, displacement of the particle is positive, so from Eq. (ii) acceleration will also be negative or downwards.
    At 2 Slope is negative while displacement is positive. Hence, \(v_P[latex] will be positive (upwards) and [latex]a_P[latex] is negative (downwards).

       

Important Points:

  • The speed of the wave is determined by the medium through which the wave travels.
  • Wave speed in a given medium may depend on the frequency of the wave; that is waves of some frequencies travel faster than waves of other frequencies. This phenomenon is called dispersion.
  • A wavelength depends on the source and the medium both.
  • The frequency of a wave is always determined solely by the wave source. Thus, once a wave is formed, its frequency does not change even though the wave passes from one medium to another.
    There are three categories of longitudinal mechanical waves which cover different ranges of frequencies:
    (a) Sound waves or audible waves (between 20 Hz to 20 kHz ), (b) Infrasonic waves (frequencies below 20 Hz ) and
    (c) Ultrasonic waves (frequency above 20 kHz ).
  • Relation between phase difference, path difference & time difference 

       

Phase Difference [latex](\Delta \phi)\)

  • Case 1: \(\Delta \phi=\omega\left(t_1-t_2\right)\)
    or \(\Delta \phi=\frac{2 \pi}{T} \Delta t\)
    \(=\) Phase difference of one particle at a time interval of \(\Delta t\).
    For example, \(t_1\) and \(t_2\) have a time interval of \(\frac{T}{2}\). So, the phase difference is \(\pi\).
    \(t_2\) and \(t_3\) have a time interval of \(\frac{T}{4}\). So, the phase difference is \(\frac{\pi}{2}\).
    Similarly, \(t_1\) and \(t_4\) have a time interval of \(T\). Therefore, the phase difference is \(2 \pi\).
  • Case 2: Two string particles at different locations are in different phases. The phase difference between them is given by
    \(\Delta \phi=k\left(x_1-x_2\right)=\frac{2 \pi}{\lambda} \Delta x\)
    \(=\) Phase difference at one time between two particles at a path difference of \(\Delta x\).
    For example: Particles ‘ \(a\) ‘ and ‘ \(b\) ‘ have a path difference of \(\frac{\lambda}{2}\). So, the phase difference between them is \(\pi\). Particle ‘ \(a\) ‘ and ‘ \(c\) ‘ have a path difference of \(\lambda\). So, the phase difference is \(2 \pi\).
    Similarly, particles ‘ \(c\) ‘ and ‘ \(d\) ‘ have a path difference of \(\frac{\lambda}{4}\). Therefore, the phase difference is \(\frac{\pi}{2}\).

Energy in Wave Motion

In harmonic wave:

Energy density \(=\frac{\text { energy of oscillation }}{\text { volume }}\)
or \(u=\frac{E}{V}=\frac{\frac{1}{2} m \omega^2 A^2}{V}\)
But, \(\frac{m}{V}=\text { density or } \rho\)
\(\therefore u=\frac{1}{2} \rho \omega^2 A^2\)

Power : \(\mathrm{P}=\) (energy density) (volume/ time)=Energy transferred per unit
\(
P=\left(\frac{1}{2} \rho \omega^2 A^2\right)(S v)
\)
[where \(\mathrm{S}=\) Area of cross-section] \(v\) is velocity (wave speed).

Intensity: Energy transferred per unit cross-sectional area per unit time is called intensity. Thus,
\(
\begin{array}{r}
I=\frac{\text { Energy transferred }}{(\text { time })(\text { cross-sectional area) }}=\frac{\text { Power }}{\text { cross-sectional area }}=\frac{P}{S} \\
=\frac{\frac{1}{2} \rho \omega^2 A^2 S v}{S} \text { or } I=\frac{1}{2} \rho \omega^2 A^2 v
\end{array}
\)

Intensity of wave:

\(
\begin{aligned}
&\text { Due to point source } I \propto \frac{1}{{r}^2}\\
&y(r, t)=\frac{A}{r} \sin (\omega t-\vec{k} \cdot \vec{r}) \\
\end{aligned}
\)
\(
\begin{aligned}
&\text { Due to cylindrical source } I \propto \frac{1}{{r}}\\
&y(r, t)=\frac{{A}}{\sqrt{{r}}} \sin (\omega {t}-\vec{k} \cdot \vec{r}) \\
\end{aligned}
\)
\(
\begin{aligned}
&\text { Due to plane source } I=\text { constant }\\
&y(r, t)=A \sin (\omega t-\vec{k} \cdot \vec{r}) \\
\end{aligned}
\)

Speed of transverse wave on a string (stretched wire):

Speed of the transverse wave on a string is given by
\(
v=\sqrt{\frac{T}{\mu}}
\)
Here, \(\mu=\) mass per unit length of the string \(=\frac{m}{l}=\frac{m A}{l A} \quad(A=\text { area of cross-section of the string })\)
\(
=\left(\frac{m}{V}\right) A \quad(V=\text { volume of string })
\)
\(
=\rho A \quad(\rho=\text { density of string })
\)
Hence, the above expression can also be written as
\(
v=\sqrt{\frac{T}{\rho A}}
\)

Interference of Waves

Resultant Amplitude

The equation of the two waves reaching at a point can be written as
\(
\begin{aligned}
& y_1=A_1 \sin (k x-\omega t) \\
& y_2=A_2 \sin (k x-\omega t+\phi)
\end{aligned}
\)
The resultant displacement of the point where the waves meet is
\(
\begin{aligned}
y & =y_1+y_2 \\
& =A_1 \sin (k x-\omega t)+A_2 \sin (k x-\omega t+\phi) \\
& =A_1 \sin (k x-\omega t)+A_2 \sin (k x-\omega t) \cos \phi+A_2 \cos (k x-\omega t) \sin \phi \\
& =\left(A_1+A_2 \cos \phi\right) \sin (k x-\omega t)+A_2 \sin \phi \cos (k x-\omega t) \\
& =A \cos \theta \sin (k x-\omega t)+A \sin \theta \cos (k x-\omega t)
\end{aligned}
\)
\(
y=A \sin (k x-\omega t+\theta)
\)
Here, \(\quad A_1+A_2 \cos \phi=A \cos \theta\)
and \(A_2 \sin \phi=A \sin \theta\)
\(
\begin{aligned}
A^2 & =\left(A_1+A_2 \cos \phi\right)^2+\left(A_2 \sin \phi\right)^2 \\
A & =\sqrt{A_1^2+A_2^2+2 A_1 A_2 \cos \phi} \dots(i)\\
\tan \theta & =\frac{A \sin \theta}{A \cos \theta}=\frac{A_2 \sin \phi}{A_1+A_2 \cos \phi} \dots(ii)
\end{aligned}
\)

Resultant Intensity

We have read that intensity of a wave is given by
\(
I=\frac{1}{2} \rho \omega^2 A^2 v \quad \text { or } \quad I \propto A^2
\)
So, if \(\rho, \omega\) and \(v\) are same for the both interfering waves, then Eq. (i) can also be written as
\(
I=I_1+I_2+2 \sqrt{I_1 I_2} \cos \phi
\)
Here, proportionality constant \(\left(I \propto A^2\right)\) cancels out on right hand side and left hand side.

Note: The special case of above two equations is, when the individual amplitudes (or intensities) are equal. or
\(
A_1=A_2=A_0(\text { say }) \Rightarrow I_1=I_2=I_0(\text { say })
\)
In this case, Eqs. (i) and (ii) become
\(
A=2 A_0 \cos \frac{\phi}{2} \dots(iii)
\)
and \(I=4 I_0 \cos ^2 \frac{\phi}{2} \dots(iv)\)

  • Constructive Interference
    These are the points where resultant amplitude or intensity is maximum or
    \(
    \begin{aligned}
    & A_{\max }=A_1+A_2 \\
    & A_{\max }= \pm 2 A_0 \\
    & I_{\max }=\left(\sqrt{I_1}+\sqrt{I_2}\right)^2 \\
    & I_{\max }=4 I_0
    \end{aligned}
    \)
    at those points where \(\cos \phi=+1\)
    \(
    \phi=0,2 \pi, 4 \pi, \ldots, 2 n \pi \quad \text { (where, } n=0,1,2 \text { ) }
    \)
    \(
    \Delta x=0, \lambda, 2 \lambda, \ldots, n \lambda \quad\left[\operatorname{as} \Delta x=\phi\left(\frac{\lambda}{2 \pi}\right)\right]
    \)
  • Destructive Interference
    These are the points where resultant amplitude or intensity is minimum or
    \(
    \begin{aligned}
    & A_{\min }=A_1 \sim A_2 \\
    & A_{\min }=0 \\
    & I_{\min }=\left(\sqrt{I_1}-\sqrt{I_2}\right)^2 \\
    & I_{\min }=0
    \end{aligned}
    \)
    at those points where, \(\cos \phi=-1\)
    \(\phi=\pi, 3 \pi \ldots(2 n-1) \pi\) (where, \(n=1,2 \ldots\) )
    \(
    \Delta x=\frac{\lambda}{2}, \frac{3 \lambda}{2} \ldots(2 n-1) \frac{\lambda}{2} \quad\left[\text { as } \Delta x=\phi\left(\frac{\lambda}{2 \pi}\right)\right]
    \)
  • \(\text { Degree of hearing }=\frac{I_{\max }-I_{\min }}{I_{\max }+I_{\min }} \times 100\)

Extra Points to Remember

  • In amplitude, it hardly matters whether its \(+2 A_0\) or \(-2 A_0\). This is the reason we have taken, \(A_{\max }= \pm 2 A_0\)
  • In interference, two or more than two waves from coherent sources meet at several points. At different points \(\Delta x, \Delta \phi \text { or } \phi\), resultant amplitude and therefore resultant intensity will be different (varying from max \(_{\text {max }}\) to \(I_{\text {min }}\) ). But whatever is the resultant intensity at some point, it remains constant at that point.
  • In interference,
    \(
    \begin{aligned}
    \frac{I_{\max }}{I_{\min }} & =\left(\frac{\sqrt{I_1}+\sqrt{I_2}}{\sqrt{I_1}-\sqrt{I_2}}\right)^2=\left(\frac{\sqrt{l_1 / I_2}+1}{\sqrt{I_1 / I_2}-1}\right)^2 \\
    & =\left(\frac{A_1 / A_2+1}{A_1 / A_2-1}\right)^2=\left(\frac{A_1+A_2}{A_1-A_2}\right)^2=\left(\frac{A_{\max }}{A_{\min }}\right)^2
    \end{aligned}
    \)

Sound Waves

  • The velocity of sound in a medium of elasticity E and density \(\rho\) is
    \(
    v=\sqrt{\frac{E}{\rho}}
    \)
  • Speed of a longitudinal wave through a gas (or a liquid) is given by (\(\text { In liquids, } E=B=\text { Bulk modulus of elasticity }\))
    \(
    v=\sqrt{\frac{B}{\rho}}
    \)
    Here, \(\quad B=\) Bulk modulus of the gas (or liquid)
    and \(\quad \rho=\) density of the gas (or liquid)
  • Speed of longitudinal wave in solids (a thin rod or wire) is given by (In solids, \(E=Y=\) Young’s modulus of elasticity)
    \(
    v=\sqrt{\frac{Y}{\rho}}
    \)
    Here, \(Y\) is the Young’s modulus of elasticity.
  • Now Newton, who first deduced this relation for \(v\), assumed that during the passage of a sound wave through a gas (or air), the temperature of the gas remains constant, i.e. sound wave travels under isothermal conditions and hence took \(B\) to be the isothermal elasticity of the gas and which is equal to its pressure \(p\). So, Newton’s formula for the velocity of a sound wave (or a longitudinal wave) in a gaseous medium becomes
    \(
    v=\sqrt{\frac{p}{\rho}}
    \)
  • Laplace after 140 years correctly argued that a sound wave passes through a gas (or air) very rapidly. So, adiabatic conditions are developed. So, he took \(B\) to be the adiabatic elasticity of the gas, which is equal to \(\gamma p\) where \(\gamma\) is the ratio of \(C_p\) (molar heat capacity at constant pressure) and \(C_V\) (molar heat capacity at constant volume). Thus, Newton’s formula as corrected by Laplace becomes (In gases, \(E=\) adiabatic bulk modulus \(=\gamma p\))
    \(
    v=\sqrt{\frac{\gamma p}{\rho}}
    \)
    \(
    \begin{aligned}
    &\text { For air, } \gamma=1.41 \text {, so that in air, }\\
    &v=\sqrt{\frac{1.41 p}{\rho}}
    \end{aligned}
    \)

Key Points

  • With the rise in temperature, the velocity of sound in a gas increases as \(v=\sqrt{\frac{\gamma \mathrm{RT}}{\mathrm{M}_{w}}}\)
    Where, Temperature: \({T}=27^{\circ} {C}=300.15 {~K}\)
    Gas constant: \(R=8.314 \frac{{~J}}{{~mol} \cdot {~K}}\)
    Molar mass of oxygen: \({M}_{{w}}=0.032 \frac{{~kg}}{{~mol}}\)
    Adiabatic index for diatomic gas (oxygen): \(\gamma=1.4\)
  • With the rise in humidity velocity of sound increases due to the presence of water in the air.
  • Pressure has no effect on the velocity of sound in a gas as long as the temperature remains constant.

Transmission of Waves (Reflection and Refraction)

  • The frequency of the wave remains unchanged.
  • Amplitude of reflected wave \(A_r=\left(\frac{v_2-v_1}{v_1+v_2}\right) A_i\)
  • Amplitude of transmitted wave \(A_t=\left(\frac{2 v_2}{v_1+v_2}\right) A_i\)
  • If \(v_2>v_1\) i.e. medium -2 is rarer
    \(A_r>0 \Rightarrow\) no phase change in reflected wave.
  • If \(v_1=v_2\), then \(A_r=0\) and \(A_t=A_i\)
    Basically \(v_1=v_2\) means both media are the same from wave point of view. So, in this case, there is no reflection \(\left(A_r=0\right)\), only transmission \(\left(A_t=A_i\right)\) is there.
  • If \(v_2<v_1\), then \(A_r\) comes out to be negative. Now, \(v_2<v_1\) means the second medium is denser. \(A_r\) in this case is negative means, there is a phase change of \(\pi\).
  • If \(v_2>v_1\), then \(A_t>A_i\). This implies that amplitude always increases as the wave travels from a denser medium to rarer medium (as \(v_2>v_1\), so second medium is rarer).
  • As \({A}_{{t}}\) is always positive whatever be \({v}_1 \& {v}_2\) the phase of transmitted wave always remains unchanged.
  • In the case of reflection from a denser medium or rigid support or fixed end, there is an inversion of reflected wave i.e. phase difference of \(\pi\) between reflected and incident wave.
  • The transmitted wave is never inverted.

Power

At the boundary of two media, energy incident per second \(=\) energy reflected per second + energy transmitted per second.
Power incident \(=\) power reflected + power transmitted
\(
P_i=P_r+P_t
\)

Let us summarise the above discussion in tabular form as below.

\(
\begin{array}{ccc}
\hline \text { Wave property } & \text { Reflection } & \text { Transmission (Refraction) } \\
\hline v & \text { does not change } & \text { changes } \\
\hline f, T, \omega & \text { do not change } & \text { do not change } \\
\hline \lambda, k & \text { do not change } & \text { change } \\
\hline A, l & \text { change } & \text { change } \\
\hline \phi & \Delta \phi=0, \text { from a rarer medium } & \Delta \phi=0 \\
& \Delta \phi=\pi \text { from a denser medium } & \\
\hline
\end{array}
\)

Beats

When two sound waves of nearly equal (but not exactly equal) frequencies travel in the same direction, at a given point due to their superposition, intensity alternatively increases and decreases periodically. This periodic waxing and waning of sound at a given position is called beats. Beat frequency \(=\) difference of frequencies of two interfering waves
Beat frequency \(=\left|f_1-f_2\right|\)

Stationary Waves or Standing Waves

When two waves of the same frequency and amplitude travel in opposite direction at the same speed, their superstition gives rise to a new type of wave, called stationary waves or standing waves. Formation of the standing wave is possible only in a bounded medium.

Suppose the two identical waves travelling in opposite directions are
\(
\begin{aligned}
& y_1=A \sin (k x-\omega t) \\
& \text { and } y_2=A \sin (k x+\omega t)
\end{aligned}
\)
By the principle of superposition, their sum is
\(
\begin{aligned}
& y=y_1+y_2 \\
& y=A[\sin (k x-\omega t)+\sin (k x+\omega t)]
\end{aligned}
\)
By using the identity,
\(
\sin A+\sin B=2 \sin \left(\frac{A+B}{2}\right) \cos \left(\frac{A-B}{2}\right) \text {, we obtain }
\)
\(
y=2 A \sin k x \cos \omega t \dots(i)
\)
Eq. (i) represents what is known as a standing wave(stationary wave).
Eq. (i) can also be written as
\(
y=A(x) \cos \omega t \dots(ii)
\)
where,
\(
A_x=2 A \sin k x \dots(iii)
\)
This equation of a standing wave [Eq. (ii)] is really an equation of simple harmonic motion, whose amplitude [Eq. (iii)] is a function of \(x\).
\(
A_x=0, \text { where } \sin k x=0
\)
\(k x=0, \pi, 2 \pi, \ldots, n \pi \quad(n=0,1,2, \ldots)\)
Substituting \(k=\frac{2 \pi}{\lambda}\), we have
\(A_x=0 \quad\) where, \(\quad x=0, \frac{\lambda}{2}, \lambda, \ldots, \frac{n \lambda}{2}\)
These are the points which never displace from their mean position. These are known as the nodes (amplitude is minimum) of the standing wave. The distance between two adjacent nodes is \(\frac{\lambda}{2}\).
Further, from Eq. (iii), we can see that maximum value of \(\left|A_x\right|\) is \(2 A\), where
\(
\sin k x= \pm 1
\)
\(
\begin{array}{lr}
k x=\frac{\pi}{2}, \frac{3 \pi}{2}, \ldots,(2 n-1) \frac{\pi}{2} & (n=0,1,2, \ldots) \\
x=\frac{\lambda}{4}, \frac{3 \lambda}{4}, \ldots,(2 n-1) \frac{\lambda}{4} & \left(k=\frac{2 \pi}{\lambda}\right)
\end{array}
\)
These are the points of maximum displacement called antinodes (amplitude is maximum). The distance between two adjacent antinodes is also \(\frac{\lambda}{2}\), while that between a node and antinode is \(\frac{\lambda}{4}\).

Comparison between travelling and stationary waves

S No. Travelling waves Stationary waves
1 In these waves, all particles of the medium oscillate with same frequency and amplitude In these waves, all particles except nodes oscillate with same frequency but different amplitudes. Amplitudes is zero at nodes and maximum at antinodes
2 At any instant phase difference between any two particles can have any value between 0 and \(2 \pi\). At any instant phase difference between any two particles can be either zero or \(\pi\).
3 In these waves, at no instant all the particles of the medium pass through their mean positions simultaneously. In these waves, all particles of the medium pass through their mean positions simultaneously twice in each time period.
4 These waves transmit energy in the medium. These waves do not transmit energy in the medium provided \(A_1=A_2\).

Transverse stationary waves in a stretched string

Sonometer

A sonometer is defined as the device that is used for demonstrating the relationship between the frequency of the sound that is produced by the string when it is plucked and the tension, length, and mass per unit length of the string.

The sound is produced in the transverse standing wave in the string.

\(
{f}_{{n}}=\frac{\mathrm{p}}{2 \ell} \sqrt{\frac{\mathrm{~T}}{\mu}}
\)

Displacement and pressure wave

A sound wave can be described either in terms of the longitudinal displacement suffered by the particles of the medium (called displacement wave) or in terms of the excess pressure generated due to compression and rarefaction (called pressure wave).
Displacement wave
\(
y=A \sin (\omega t-k x)
\)
Pressure wave
\(
{p}={p}_0 \cos (\omega {t}-{kx})
\)
Where \(p_0=A B k=\rho A v \omega\) relates the pressure amplitude \(\left(p_0\right)\) to the displacement amplitude ( \(A\) ), bulk modulus ( \(B\) ), wave number \((k)\), density ( \(\rho\) ), wave speed ( \(v\) ), and angular frequency ( \(\omega\) ).
Note: As sound sensors (e.g., ear or mike) detect pressure changes, the description of sound as pressure wave is preferred over displacement wave.

Important Points:

  • The pressure wave is \(90^{\circ}\) out of phase w.r.t. displacement wave, i.e. displacement will be maximum when pressure is minimum and vice-versa.
  • Intensity in terms of pressure amplitude
    \(
    {I}=\frac{{p}_0^2}{2 \rho {v}}
    \)

Vibrations of organ pipes

Stationary longitudinal waves closed end \(\rightarrow\) displacement node, open end \(\rightarrow\) displacement antinode

  • Closed-end organ pipe

         

  • Only odd harmonics are present
  • Maximum possible wavelength \(=4 \ell\)
  • Frequency of \(\mathrm{n}^{\mathrm{th}}\) overtone \(=(2 \mathrm{~n}+1) \frac{\mathrm{v}}{4 \ell}\)
  • Open end organ pipe 

         

  • All harmonics are present
  • Maximum possible wavelength is \(2 \ell\).
  • Frequency of \(\mathrm{n}^{\text {th }}\) overtone \(=(\mathrm{n}+1) \frac{\mathrm{v}}{2 \ell}\)

End correction :

Due to the finite momentum of air molecules in organ pipes, reflection takes place not exactly at open end but some what above it, so antinode is not formed exactly at free end but slightly above it.
In closed organ pipe \(f_1=\frac{v}{4(\ell+e)}\) where \(e=0.6 \mathrm{R} \quad\) ( \(\mathrm{R}=\) radius of pipe)
In open organ pipe \(f_1=\frac{v}{2(\ell+2 e)}\)

Resonance Tube

Wavelength \(\quad \lambda=2\left(\ell_2-\ell_1\right)\)
End correction \(e=\frac{\ell_2-3 \ell_1}{2}\)

Intensity of sound in decibels

Sound level, \(\mathrm{SL}=10 \log _{10}\left(\frac{\mathrm{I}}{\mathrm{I}_0}\right)\)
Where \(\mathrm{I}_0=\) threshold of human ear \(=10^{-12} \mathrm{~W} / \mathrm{m}^2\)

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