The displacement relation in a progressive wave defines how a particle’s position changes over time. It is represented by y(x,t) = A sin(kx−ωt+ϕ), where A is amplitude, k is the angular wave number, ω is the angular frequency, x is position, and t is time.

In this article, we will learn about Displacement Relation in a Progressive Wave, with brief introduction about progressive wave.

What is Progressive Wave?

A progressive wave is a type of wave that moves through a medium, transferring energy from one point to another without permanently displacing the medium itself. It is also known as a travelling wave.

As the wave travels, individual particles of the medium oscillate back and forth in the direction of the wave’s propagation. Progressive waves can be categorized as either transverse, where particles move perpendicular to the direction of the wave, or longitudinal, where particles move parallel to the wave’s direction. Examples of progressive waves include ocean waves, sound waves, and light waves.

Terms Related to Progressive Wave

Some of the terms related to progressive wave are :

• Amplitude
• Phase
• Wavelength
• Angular Wave Number
• Angular Frequency

Let’s discuss them in detail.

Amplitude

Amplitude quantifies the maximum distance a particle within a wave moves away from its resting or equilibrium position. It measures the wave’s intensity or strength, indicating the oscillation’s peak value.

In simpler terms, it represents the height of the wave from its midpoint to its crest or trough. A larger amplitude signifies a more energetic wave, while a smaller amplitude indicates a weaker wave.

Phase

The term (kx – ωt + φ) in sin (kx – ωt + φ) is called the phase of the function. It shows how the wave is moving.

When points on a wave move in the same direction, either rising or falling together, they are said to be “in phase” with each other. Conversely, when points on a wave move in opposite directions, one rising while the other falls, they are said to be “in anti-phase” with each other.

Wavelength

Wavelength refers to the distance between two consecutive points on a wave that are in the same phase, such as two adjacent crests or troughs. In simpler terms, it is the length of one complete cycle of the wave pattern. It is denoted by the symbol λ (lambda).

For example, in an ocean wave, the wavelength would be measured from one crest to the next crest, or from one trough to the next trough. Wavelength is an essential characteristic of waves, helping to determine their properties such as frequency and speed.

Angular Wave Number

The angular wave number is a term used in the context of wave motion, particularly in waves described by sinusoidal functions. It represents the spatial frequency of the wave, indicating how rapidly the wave oscillates in space. It is denoted as k.

Mathematically, the angular wave number is related to the wavelength (λ) of the wave through the formula:

k = 2π/λ​

Where:

• k is the angular wave number,
• λ is the wavelength of the wave.

The angular wave number is measured in radians per unit distance (e.g., radians per meter) and helps describe the spatial variation of the wave. It is widely used in fields such as physics, engineering, and mathematics to analyze and characterize wave phenomena.

Angular Frequency

Angular frequency, often denoted as ω, is a term used to describe the rate of change of phase of a sinusoidal waveform, typically in the context of periodic motion or oscillations. It represents the frequency of oscillation in terms of radians per unit time.

Mathematically, the angular frequency is related to the ordinary frequency (f) of a waveform through the formula:

ω = 2πf

Where:

• ω is the angular frequency,
• f is the ordinary frequency (measured in cycles per unit time).

Displacement Relation in Progressive Wave

In a progressive wave, the displacement relation describes how the position of a particle changes over time as the wave passes through. It shows the relationship between the displacement of the particle from its equilibrium position and both the position along the wave (represented by x) and the time (represented by t).

Mathematically, the displacement relation is often given as a function, such as:

y(x,t) = Asin(kx − ωt + ϕ)

where,

• y(x,t) is the displacement of the particle at position x and time t,
• A is the amplitude, representing the maximum displacement from equilibrium,
• k is the angular wave number, determining the spatial frequency of the wave,
• ω is the angular frequency, indicating how quickly the wave oscillates in time,
• ϕ is the phase constant, determining the initial position of the wave.

This relation shows how the displacement of a particle varies with both position and time along the wave. As the wave propagates, particles oscillate back and forth around their equilibrium positions according to this relation. It helps understand the behavior of waves and their interaction with particles in a medium.

Conclusion

In conclusion we can say that, progressive waves play an important role in various natural phenomena and technological applications, serving as carriers of energy and information. Understanding key concepts such as amplitude, phase, wavelength, angular wave number, angular frequency, and the displacement relation is essential for analyzing and interpreting wave behavior accurately.

Also, Check

• Displacement in Simple Harmonic Motion
• Superposition of Waves
• Reflection of Waves

FAQs on Displacement Relation in Progressive Wave

What is the displacement relation for a progressive wave?

The displacement relation for a progressive wave is given by the formula y(x,t) = Asin(kx − ωt + ϕ), where A represents the amplitude, k is the angular wave number, ω is the angular frequency, x denotes position, t denotes time, and ϕ is the phase constant.

What is the formula for a progressive wave?

The formula for a progressive wave is y(x,t)=Asin(kx−ωt+ϕ), where A represents the amplitude, k is the angular wave number, ω is the angular frequency, x denotes position, t denotes time, and ϕ is the phase constant.

What is the formula for wave displacement?

The formula for wave displacement in a progressive wave is y(x,t)=Asin(kx−ωt+ϕ), where y(x,t) represents the displacement of a particle at position x and time t, A denotes the amplitude, k is the angular wave number, ω is the angular frequency, and ϕ is the phase constant.

What is displacement in wave?

Displacement in a wave refers to the distance from the equilibrium position to the maximum point of displacement, either above or below the equilibrium. It measures how far a particle in the medium has moved from its resting position as the wave passes through.

What are two types of progressive waves?

Two types of progressive waves are transverse waves and longitudinal waves. In transverse waves, particles of the medium oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation, while in longitudinal waves, particles oscillate parallel to the direction of wave propagation.