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WAVES
THEORY AND EXERCISE BOOKLET

CONTENTS

S.NO. TOPIC PAGE NO.

1. Waves ........................................................................................ 3 – 8

2. Particle Velocity and Acceleration................................................. 8

3. Different forms of Wave function ............................................... 8 – 9

4. Linear Wave equation .............................................................. 10 – 13

5. Speed of wave on a string ....................................................... 13 – 15

6. Energy calculation in waves .................................................... 15 – 18

7. Superposition ........................................................................... 19 – 24

8. Reflection and transmission .................................................... 24 – 27

9. Standing waves ........................................................................ 27 – 32

10. Stationary waves in string ...................................................... 32 – 34

11. Exercise - I ............................................................................. 35 – 43

12. Exercise - II ............................................................................ 44 – 49

13. Exercise - III ............................................................................50 - 58

14. Exercise - IV............................................................................... 59

15. Exercise - V............................................................................ 60 – 66

16. Answer key............................................................................. 67 – 68

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 Page # 2 WAVES

Syllabus ::

Wave motion (plane waves only), longitudinal and transverse waves, Superposition

of waves; progressive and stationary waves.

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1. WAVES :

Waves is distributed energy or distributed "disturbance (force)"

• Following points regarding waves :

1. The disturbance (force) is transmitted from one point to another.
2. The energy is transmitted from one point to another.
3. The energy or distrubance passes in the form of wave without any net displacement of
medium.
4. The oscillatory motion of preceding particle is imparted to the adjacent particle following it.
5. We need to keep creating disturbance in order to propagate wave (energy or disturbance)
continuously.

(a) Waves classification

The waves are classified under two high level headings :
1. Mechanical waves : The motion of the particle constituting the medium follows mechanical
laws i.e. Newton's laws of motion. Mechanical waves originate from a distrubance in the
medium (such as a stone dropping in a pond) and the disturbance propagates through the
medium. The force between the atoms in the medium are responsible for the propagation of
mechanical waves. Each atom exerts a force on the atoms near it, and through this force the
motion of the atom is transmitted to the others. The atoms in the medium do not experience
any net displacement.
Mechanical waves is further classified in two categories such that
1. Transverse waves (waves on a string)
2. Longitudnal waves (sound waves)

2. Non Mechanical waves : These are electro magnetic waves. The electromagnetic waves do
not require a medium for propagation. Its speed in vacuum is a universal constant. The
motion of the electromagnetic waves in a medium depends on the electromagnetic properties
of the medium.

2.1 Transverse waves

If the disturbance travels in the x direction but the particles move in a direction, perpendicular
to the x axis as the wave passes it is called a transverse waves.

v
y T
T

2T sin

y x
V

T T
O x

figure - I

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Consider a sinusoidal harmonic wave travelling through a string and the motion of a particle
as shown in the figure Ist (only one unit of wave shown for illustration purpose). Since the
particle is displaced from its natural (mean) position, the tension in the string arising from
the deformation tends to restore the position of the particle. On the other hand, velocity of
the particle (kinetic energy) move the particle farther is zero. Therefore, the particle is pulled
down due to tension towards mean position. In the process, it acquires kinetic energy (greater
speed) and overshoots the mean position in the downward direction. The cycle of restoration
of position continues as vibration (oscillation) of particle takes place.

2.2 Longitudinal waves

Longitudinal waves are characterized by the direction of vibration (disturbance) and wave
motion. They are along the same direction. It is clear that vibration in the same direction
needs to be associated with a "restoring" mechanism in the longitudinal direction.

(b) Mathematical description of waves

We shall attempt here to evolve a mathematical model of a travelling transverse wave. For
this, we choose a specific set up of string and associated transverse wave travelling through
it. The string is tied to a fixed end, while disturbance is imparted at the free end by up and
down motion. For our purpose, we consider that pulse is small in dimension; the string is
light, elastic and homogeneous. The assumptions are required as we visualize a small travelling
pulse which remains undiminished when it moves through the strings. We also assume that
the string is long enough so that our observation is not subjected to pulse reflected at the
fixed end.
For understanding purpose, we first consider a single pulse as shown in the figure (irrespective
of whether we can realize such pulse in practice or not). Our objective here is to determine
the nature of a mathematical description which will enable us to determine displacement
(disturbance) of string as pulse passes through it. We visualize two snap shots of the travelling
pulse at two close time instants "t" and "t + t". The single pulse is moving towards right in
the positive x-direction.

Y 12 3

t=t
O x

t  t  t
O x

The vibration and wave motion are at right angle to each other.
Three position along x-axis named "1", "2" and "3" are marked with three vertical dotted
lines. At either of two instants as shown, the positions of string particles have different
displacements from the undisturbed position on horizontal x-axis. We can conclude from this
observation that displacement in y-direction is a function of positions of particle in x-direction.
As such, the displacement of a particle constituting the string is a function of "x".
Let us now observe the positions of a given particle, say "1". It has certain positive displacement
at time t = t, At the next snapshot at t = t + t, the displacement has reduced to zero. The
particle at "2" has maximum displacement at t = t, but the same has reduced at t = t + t.
The third particle at "3' has certain positive displacement at t = t, At t = t + t, it acquires
additional positive displacement and reaches the position of maximum displacement. From
these observation, we conclude that displacement of a particle at any position along the
string is a function of "t".

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 WAVES Page # 5

Combining two observations, we conclude that displacment of a particle is a function of both

position of the particle along the string and time.
y = f (x, t)
We can further specify the nature of the mathematical function by association the speed of
the wave in our consideration. Let "v" be the constant speed with which wave travels from
the left end to the right end. We notice that wave function at a given position of the string is
a function of time only as we are considering displacement at a particular value of "x". Let us
consider left hand end of the string as the origin of reference (x = 0 and t = 0). The displacement
in y-direction (disturbance) at x = 0 is a function of time, "t" only :
y = f(t) = A sin t
The disturbance travels to the right at constant speed "v'. Let it reaches a point specified as
x = x after time "t". If we visualize to describe the origin of this disturbance at x = 0, then
time elapsed for the distrubance to move from the origin (x = 0) to the point (x = x) is "x/v".
Therefore, if we want to use the function of displacement at x = 0 as given above, then we
need to subtract the time elapsed and set the equation is :

 x  x
y  f  t –   A sin   t – 
 v  v

This can also be expressed as

 vt – x   x – vt 
 f   –f 
 v   v 

y(x, t) = g(x – vt)

using any fixed value of t (i.e. at any instant), this shows shape of the string.
If the wave is travelling in –x direction, the wave equation is written as

x
y (x, t) = f ( t  )
v
The quantity x – vt is called phase of the wave function. As phase of the pulse has fixed value
x – vt = const.

dx
Taking the derivative w.r.t. time v
dt
where v is the phase velocity although often called wave velocity. It is the velocity at which
a particular phase of the distrubance travels through space.
In order for the function to represent a wave travelling at speed v, the quantities x, v and t
must appear in the combination (x + vt) or (x – vt). Thus (x – vt)2 is acceptable but x2 – v2
t2 is not.

(c) Describing Waves :

Two kinds of graph may be drawn displacement - distance and displacement-time.
A displacement-distance graph for a transverse mechanical waves shows the displacement y
of the vibrating particles of the transmitting medium at different distance x from the source
at a certain instant i.e. it is like a photograph showing shape of the wave at that particular
instant.
The maximum displacement of each particle from its undisturbed position is the amplutude
of the wave.
In the figure 1, it OA or OB.

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One wavelength

A

Displacement
O
Distance x

Crest Trough Crest Trough

The wavelength  of a wave is generally taken as the distance between two successive crests
or two successive trough. To be more specific, it is the distance between two consecutive
points on the wave which have same phase.
A displacement-time graph may also be drawn for a wave motion, showing how the
displacement of one particle at a particular distance from the source varies with time. If this
is simple harmonic variation then the graph is a sine curve.

• Wave Length, Frequency, Speed

If the source of a wave makes f vibrations per second, so they will the particles of the
transmitting medium. That is, the frequency of the waves equals frequency of the source.
When the source makes one complete vibration, one wave is generated and the disturbance
spreads out a distance  from the source. If the source continues to vibrate with constant
frequency f, then f waves will be produced per second and the wave advances a distance f 
in one second. If v is the wave speed then
v=f
This relationship holds for all wave motions.

Frequency depends on source (not on medium), v depends on medium (not on source

frequency), but wavelength depend on both medium and source.

(d) Initial Phase :

At x = 0 and t = 0, the sine function evaluates to zero and as such y-displacement is zero.
However, a wave form can be such that y-displacement is not zero at x =0 and t = 0. In such
case, we need to account for the displacement by introducting an angle like :
y(x,t) = Asin (kx – t + )
where "" is initial phase. At x = 0 and t = 0.
y(0, 0) = A sin ()
The measurement of angle determines following two aspects of wave form at x = 0, t = 0 :
(i) whether the displacement is positive or negative and (ii) whether wave form has positive
or negative slope.
For a harmonic wave represented by sine function, there are two values of initial
phase angle for which displacement at reference origin (x = 0, t = 0) is positive and has
equal magnitude. We know that the sine values of angles in first and second quadrants are
positive. A pair of initial phase angles, say  = /3 and 2/3, correspond to equal positive
sine values are :
sin = sin ( – )

    2  1
sin = sin  –  = sin  =
3 3 3 2
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2
To choose the initial phase in between the two values /3 & . We can look at a wave e
3
motion in yet another way. A wave form at an instant is displaced by a distance x in very
small time interval t then then speed to the particle at t = 0 & x = 0 is in upward +ve
direction in further time t
v

(0,0)

Ex.1 Find out the expression of wave equation which is moving is +ve x direction and at x = 0,
A
t=0y=
2
Sol. Let y = A sin (t – kx + )
at t = 0 and x = 0

A 1
 A sin   sin =
2 2

 3
= ,
4 4
To choose the correct phase angle  we displaced to wave. Slightly in +ve x direction such
that

A
In above figure Paticle at a is move downward towards point b i.e. particle at x = 0 & y =
2
have negative velocity which gives

y
 A cos( – kx  ) at
t

t = 0, x = 0
is cos = – ve (from figure) ...(2)
from above discussion 3/4 gives sin + ve and cos negative i.e.

3

4

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Note : Equation of wave which is moving –ve x direction.

v
 x
at time t y  A sin t  
 v

y  A sint
x
y = A sin ( t + kx + )
Ex.2 If ( t) & (kx) terms have same sign then the wave move toward –ve x direction and
vice versa and with diffierent initial phase.
y = A sin (t – kx) Wave move toward +ve x direction
y = A sin (–kx + t)

y = A sin (–kx –  t) Wave move toward –ve x direction.

= A sin (kx + t + )
y = A sin (kx + t)

2. PARTICLE VELOCITY AND ACCELERATION :

Particle velocity at a given position x = x is obtained by differentiating wave function with

respect to time "t". We need to differentiate equation by treating "x" as constant. The partial
differentiation yields particle velocity as :

 
vp = y( x, t) = A sin(kx – t) = –A cos (kx – t)
t t
We can use the property of cosine function to find the maximum velocity. We obtain maximum
speed when cosine function evaluates to "–1" :
 vpmax = A
The acceleration of the particle is obtained by differentiating expression of velocity partially
with respect to time :

 
 ap = vp = {– A cos(kx – t)} = –2 A sin (kx – t) = –2y
t t
Again the maximum value of the acceleration can be obtained using property of sine function
:
 apmax = 2A

3. DIFFERENT FORMS OF WAVE FUNCTION :

Different forms give rise to bit of confusion about the form of wave function. The forms used
for describing wave are :
y (x, t) = A sin (kx – t)
y(x, t) = A sin (t – kx + )
Which of the two forms is correct ? In fact, both are correct so long we are in a position to
accurately interpret the equation. Starting with the first equation and using trigonometric
identity :

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We have,
 A sin (kx – t) = A sin ( – kx + t) = A sin (t – kx + )
 
Thus we see that two forms represent waves along at the same speed  v   . They differ,,
k
however, in phase. There is phase difference of "". This has implication on the waveform
and the manner particle oscillates at any given time instant and position. Let us consider two
waveforms at x = 0, t = 0. The slopes of the waveforms are :


y( x, t)  kA cos(kx – t) = kA = a positive number
x


and y( x, t)  –kA cos(t – kx) = –kA = a negative number
x

Forms of wave functions

y
v

y  A sin[kx – t]

x
O
vp

y  A sin[ t – kx]
vp

x
O

Exchange of terms in the argument of sine function results in a phase difference of .

In the first case, the slope is positive and hence particle velocity is negative. It means
particle is moving from reference origin or mean position to negative extreme position. In
the second case, the slope is negative and hence particle velocity is positive. It means
particle is moving from positive extreme position to reference origin or mean position. Thus
two forms represent waves which differ in direction in which particle is moving at a given
position.
Once we select the appropriate wave form, we can write wave equation in other forms as
given here :

 t  2
y(x, t) = A sin (kx – t) = A sin k  x –  = A sin ( x – vt)
 k  
Further, substituting for "k" and "" in wave equation, we have :

 2 2  x t
y (x, t) = A sin  x– t  A sin 2  – 
 T    T

If we want to represent waveform moving in negative "x" direction, then we need to replace
"t" by "–t".

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4. THE LINEAR WAVE EQUATION :

By using wave function y = A sin (t – kx + ), we can describe the motion of any point on
the string. Any point on the string moves only vertically, and so its x coordinate remains
constant. The transverse velocity vy of the point and its transverse acceleration ay are therefore.
 dy  y
vy    
 dt  x cons tan t t = A cos (t – kx + ) ...(1)

 dv y  v y 2y
ay     2
 dt  x cons tan t t =  t 2 = – A sin (t – kx + )..(2)

and hence
vy. max
= A
ay.max = 2A
The transverse velocity and transverse acceleration of any point on the string do not reach
their maximum value simultaneously. Infact, the transverse velocity reaches its maximum
value (A) when the displacement y = 0, whereas the transverse acceleration reaches its
maximum magnitudes (2A) when y = ± A
further

 dy  y
 dx   = – kA cos (wt – kx + ) ...(3)
  t  cons tan t x

2 y
= = – k2A sin (t – kx + ) ...(4)
x 2

y  y
From (1) and (3) – y
t k x
 vp = – vw × slope A
B
i.e. if the slope at any point is negative, particle
velocity and vice-versa, for a wave moving along positive x
x1 x2
x axis i.e. vw is positive.
For example, consider two points A and B on the y-curve
for a wave, as shown. The wave is moving along positive
x-axis.
Slope at A is positive therefore at the given moment, its velocity is negative. That means it
is coming downward. Reverse is the situation for particle at point B.
Now using equation (2) and (4)

2 y k 2 2y 2 y 1 2y
  
x 2  2 t 2 x 2 v 2 t 2
This is known as the linear wave equation or diffential equation representation of the travelling
wave model. We have developed the linear wave equation from a sinusoidal mechanical
wave travelling through a medium. But it is much more general. The linear wave equation
successfully describes waves on strings, sound waves and also electromagnetic waves.

Thus, the above equation can be written as,

2 y 2 y
2
 v2 ...(i)
t x 2

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The general solution of this equation is of the form

y(x, t) = f (ax ± bt) ...(ii)
Thus, any function of x and t which satisfies Eq. (i) or which can be written as Eq. (ii)
represents a wave. The only condition is that it should be finite everywhere and at all times.
Further, if these conditions are satisfied, then speed of wave (v) is given by,
coefficient of t b
v 
coefficient of x a
Thus plus (+) sign between ax and bt implies that the wave is travelling along negative x-
direction and minus (–) sign shows that it is travelling along positive x-direction.

Ex.3 Verify that wave function

2
y
( x – 3t ) 2  1
is a solution to the linear wave equation x and y are in cm.
Sol. By taking partial derivatives of this function w.r.t x and to t.

2 y 12( x – 3 t) 2 – 4
 , and
x2 [( x – 3 t) 2  1] 3

2 y 108( x – 3 t ) 2 – 36

 t2 [( x – 3 t) 2  1] 3

2y 1 2x
or 2

x 9  t2
Comparing with linear wave equation, we see that the wave function is a solution to the
linear wave equation if the speed at which the pulse moves is 3 cm/s. It is apparent from
wave function therefore it is a solution to the linear wave equation.

Ex 4. A wave pulse is travelling on a string at 2 m/s. displacement y of the particle at x =

0 at any time t is given by
2
y 2
t 1
Find
(i) Expression of the function y = (x, t) i.e., displacement of a particle position x
and time t.
(ii) Shape of the pulse at t = 0 and t = 1s.
 x
Sol. (i) By replacing t by  t –  , we can get the desired wave function i.e.,,
v

2
y 2
 x
t –  1
 2 
(ii) We can use wave function at a particular instant, say t = 0, to find shape of the wave
pulse using different values of x.

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 Page # 12 WAVES

2
y 2
Y
at t=0 x 2
1
4
at x=0 y=2
x=2 y=1 1
x=–2 y=1
x=4 y = 0.4
x = –4 y = 0.4 –2 0 –2 –4
–4
Using these value, shape is drawn.
Similarly for t = 1s, shape can drawn. What do you conclude about direction of motion of the
wave from the graphs? Also check how much the pulse has move in 1s time interval. This is
equal to wave speed. Here is the procedure.
2
y 2
 x at t = 1s
1 –  1
 2
at x=2 y = 2(maximum value)
at x=0 y=1
at x=4 y=1
Y
2

t=1
t=0
1

x
0
–2 2 4 6

The pulse has moved to the right by 2 units in 1 s interval.

x
Also as t – = constt.
2
Differentiating w.r.t time
1 dx dx
1– . 0  2
2 dt dt

Ex.5 A sinusoidal wave travelling in the positive x direction has an amplitude of 15 cm,
wavelength 40 cm and frequency 8 Hz. The vertical displacement of the medium at t
=0 and x = 0 is also 15 cm, as shown
y(cm)

40

15

x(cm)

(a) Find the angular wave number, period angular frquency and speed of the wave.
(b) Determine the phase constant , and write a general expression for the wave function.

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2  2rad 
Sol. (a) k    40cm  20 rad / cm

1 1
T  s  = 2 f = 16 s–1
f 8
v = f  = 320 cm/s
(b) It is given that A = 15 cm
and also y = 15 cm at x = 0 and t = 0
then using y = A sin (t – kx + )
15 = 15 sin   sin  = 1
Therefore, the wave function is
    rad  
y = A sin (t – kx + )  (15 cm) sin(16 s – ) t –  . x  
2   20 cm  2

5. SPEED OF A TRANSVERSE WAVE ON A STRING

Consider a pulse travelling along a string with a speed v to the right. If the amplitude of the
pulse is small compared to the length of the string, the tension T will be approximately
constant along the string. In the reference frame moving with speed v to the right, the pulse
in stationary and the string moves with a speed v to the left. Figure shows a small segment
of the string of length l. This segment forms part of a circular arc of radius R. Instantaneously
the segment is moving with speed v in a circular path, so it has centripetal acceleration v2/R.
The forces acting on the segment are the tension T at each end. The horizontal component of
these forces are equal and opposite and thus cancel. The vertical component of these forces
point radially inward towards the centre of the circular. arc. These radial forces provide
centripetal acceleration. Let the angle substended by the segment at centre be 2. The net
radial force acting on the segment is
v
l v2
ar  l
R v
 

R T T

R  
O

v O
(b)
(a)
Fig. (a) To obtain the speed v of a wave on a stretched string. It is convenient to describe the
motion of a small segment of the string in a moving frame of reference.
Fig. (b) In the moving frame of reference, the small segment of length l moves to the left
with speed v. The net force on the segment is in the radial direction because the
horizontal components of the tension force cancel.

F r  2T sin  2T
Where we have used the approximation sin    for small .
If  is the mass per unit length of the string, the mass of the segment of length l is
m =  l = 2R (as  l = 2R)
mv 2
From Newton's second law  Fr = ma =
R
 v2  T
or 2T = (2R)  R   v
  

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Ex.6 Find speed of the wave generated in the

string as in the situation shown. Assume that
the tension in not
affected by the mass of the cord. 500 gm/m

Sol. T = 20 × 10 = 200 N

200
v  20m / s 20 kg
0.5

Ex.7 A taut string having tension 100 N and linear mass density
0.25 kg/m is used inside a cart to generate a wave pulse
starting at the left end, as shown. What should be the
velocity of the cart so that pulse remains stationary w.r.t
ground.

T
Sol. Velocity of pulse =  20m / s

  
Now vPG = vPC  v CG

0 = 20 i + v CG

VCG  –20î m/ s

Ex.8 One end of 12.0 m long rubber tube with a total mass of 0.9 kg is fastened to a fixed
support. A cord attached to the other and passes over a pulley and supports an
object with a mass of 5.0 kg. The tube is struck a transverse blow at one end. Find
the time required for the pulse to reach the other end (g = 9.8 m/s2)
Sol. Tension in the rubber tube AB, T = mg
T = (5.0) (9.8) = 49 N
or
Mass per unit length of rubber tube,

0.9
= = 0.075 kg/m
12
B
m
 Speed of wave on the tube,
A
T 49
v   25.56 m / s
 0.075
 The required time is,
AB 12
t   0.47 s
v 25.56

Ex.9 A uniform rope of mass 0.1 kg and length 2.45 m hangs from a ceiling
(a) Find the speed of transverse wave in the rope at a point 0.5 m distant from the
lower end.
(b) Calculate the time taken by a transverse wave to travel the full length of the
rope.
Sol. (a) As the string has mass and it is suspended vertically, tension in it will be different at
different points. For a point at a distance x from the free end, tension will be due to the
weight of the string below it. So, if m is the mass of string of length l, the mass of length x

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 WAVES Page # 15

 m
of the string will be,   x.
l

 m m 
 T    xg  xg   
 l  l 

T
  xg


T 
or v  xg ...(i)
 x
At x = 0.5 m, v  0.5  9.8 = 2.21 m/s
(b) From Eq. (i) we see that velocity of the wave is different at different points. So, if at point
x the wave travels a distance dx in time dt, then

dx dx
dt  
v gx

t l
dx
  dt  
0 0
gx

l 2.45
or t2 2 = 1.0 s Ans.
g 9.8

6. ENERGY CALCULATION IN WAVES :

,

(a) Kinetic energy per unit length

The velocity of string element in transverse direction is greatest at mean position and zero at
the extreme positions of waveform. We can find expression of transverse velocity by differ-
entiating displacement with respect to time. Now, the y-displacement is given by :
y = A sin (kx – t)
Differentiating partially with respect to time, the expression of particle velocity is :

y
vp  = – A cos (kx – t)
t
In order to calculate kinetic energy, we consider a small string element of length "dx" having
mass per unit length "". The kinetic energy of the element is given by :

1 1
dK  dmv p2  dx 2 A 2 cos 2 (kx – t )
2 2
This is the kinetic energy associated with the element in motion. Since it involves squared of
cosine function, its value is greatest for a phase of zero (mean position) and zero for a phase

of (maximum displacement).
2
Now, we get kinetic energy per unit length, "KL", by dividing this expression with the length
of small string considered :

dK 1
KL    2 A 2 cos 2 (kx – t)
dx 2

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• Rate of transmission of kinetic energy

The rate, at which kinetic energy is transmitted, is obtained by dividing expression of kinetic
energy by small time element, "dt" :

dK 1 dx 2 2
   A cos 2 (kx – t)
dt 2 dt

dx
But, wave or phase speed, v, is time rate of position i.e. . Hence,
dt

dK 1
 v 2 A 2 cos 2 (kx – t)
dt 2
Here kinetic energy is a periodic function. We can obtain average rate of transmission of
kinetic energy by integrating the expression for integral wavelengths. Since only cos2(kx –
t) is the varying entity, we need to find average of this quantity only. Its integration over
1
intergal wavelengths give a value of " " . Hence, average rate of transmission of kinetic
2
energy is :

dK 1 1 1
|avg   v 2 A 2  v 2 A 2
dt 2 2 4

(b) Elastic potential energy

The elastic potential energy of the string element results as string element is stretched
during its oscillation. The extension or stretching is maximum at mean position. We can see
in the figure that the length of string element of equal x-length "dx" is greater at mean
position than at the extreme. As a matter of fact, the elongation depends on the slope of the
curve. Greater the slope, greater is the elongation. The string has the least length when
slope is zero. For illustration purpose, the curve is purposely drawn in such a manner that the
elongation of string element at mean position is highlighted.

y
V

t=t

x
O

t  t  t
vp
x
O

fig : The string element stretched most at equilibrium position

Greater extension of string element corresponds to greater elastic energy. As such, it is

greatest at mean position and zero at extreme position. This deduction in contrary to the
case of SHM in which potential energy is greatest at extreme position and zero at mean
position.

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 WAVES Page # 17

• Potential energy per unit length

When the string segment is stretched from the length dx
to the length ds an amount of work = T (ds – dx) is ds
dy
done. This is equal to the potential energy stored in the
stretched string segment. So the potential energy in this
case is :
U = T (ds – dx)
Now ds  (dx2  dy 2 )
x x + dx
  dy  2 
 dx 1    
  dx  
from the binomial expansion
2
1  dy 
so ds  dx +   dx
2  dx 
2
1   y
U = T (ds – dx)  T   dx
2   x
or the potential energy density
2
dU 1   y 
 T  ...(i)
dx 2   x 

dy
= kAcos (kx – t)
dx
and T = v2 
Put above value in equation (i) then we get
dU 1
  2 A 2 cos 2 (kx – t)
dx 2

• Rate of transmission of elastic potential energy

The rate, at which elastic potential energy is transmitted, is obtained by dividing expression
of kinetic energy by small time element, "dt". This expression is same as that for kinetic
enegy.
dU 1
 v 2 A 2 cos 2 (kx – t)
dt 2
and average rate of transmission of elastic potential energy is :
dU 1 1 1
|avg   v 2 A 2  v 2 A 2
dt 2 2 4

(c) Mechanical energy per unit length

Since the expression elastic potential energy is same as that of kinetic energy, we get me-
chanical energy expression by multiplying expression of kinetic energy by "2". The mechani-
cal energy associated with small string element, "dx", is :
1 2
dE = 2xdK = 2x dmv p = dx2A2cos2 (kx – t)
2
Similarly, the mechanical energy per unit length is :

dE 1
EL   2x 2 A 2 cos 2 (kx – t ) = 2 A2 cos2 (kx – t)
dx 2

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(d) Average power transmitted

The average power transmitted by wave is equal to time rate of transmission of mechanical
energy over integral wavelengths. It is equal to :
dE 1 1
Pavg  |avg  2  v 2 A 2  v 2 A 2
dt 4 2
If mass of the string is given in terms of mass per unit volume, "", then we make appropri-
ate change in the derivation. We exchange "" by "s" where "s" is the cross section of the
string :
1
Pavg  sv 2 A 2
2
(e) Energy density
Since there is no loss of energy involved, it is expected that energy per unit length is uniform
throughout the string. As much energy enters that much energy goes out for a given length
of string. This average value along unit length of the string length is equal to the average
rate at which energy is being transferred.
The average mechanical energy per unit length is equal to integration of expression
over integral wavelength
1 1 2 2
EL|avg = 2xv2 A2 = v A
4 2
We have derived this expression for harmonic wave along a string. The concept, however,
can be extended to two or three dimensional transverse waves. In the case of three dimen-
sional transverse waves, we consider small volumetric element. We, then, use density, , in
place of mass per unit length, . The corresponding average energy per unit volume is
referred as energy density (u) :
1
u vw 2 A 2
2
(f) Intensity
Intensity of wave (I) is defined as power transmitted per unit cross section area of the
medium :

A2 1
I   sv  2   vw 2 A 2
2s 2
Intensity of wave (I) is a very useful concept for three dimensional waves radiating in all
direction from the source. This quantity is usually referred in the context of light waves,
which is transverse harmonic wave in three dimensions. Intensity is defined as the power
transmitted per unit cross sectional area. Since light spreads uniformly all around, intensity
is equal to power transmitted, divided by spherical surface drawn at that point with source at
its center.

Phase difference between two particles in the same wave :

The general expression for a sinusoidal wave travelling in the positive x direction is
y(x, t) = A sin (t – kx)
n
Eq of Particle at x1 is given by y1 = A sin (t – kx1)
Eqn of particle which is at x2 from the origin
y2 = Asin (t – kx2)
Phase difference between particles is k(x2 – x1) = 


Kx =  x 
k

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 WAVES Page # 19

7. PRINCIPLE OF SUPERPOSITION :

This principle defines the displacement of a medium particle when it is oscillating under the
influence of two or more than two waves. The principle of superposition is stated as :
"When two or more waves superpose on a medium particle than the resultant
displacement of that medium particle is given by the vector sum of the individual displacements
produced by the component waves at that medium particle independently."
  
Let y 1, y 2 ,....... y N are the displacements produced by N independent waves at a
medium particle in absence of others then the displacemnt of that medium, when all the
waves are superposed at that point, is given as
    
y  y 1  y 2  y 3  .......  y N
If all the waves are producing oscillations at that point are collinear then the displacement of
the medium particle where superposition is taking place can be simply given by the algebric
sum of the individual displacement. Thus we have
y = y1 + y2 + ..............+yN
The above equation is valid only if all individual displacements y1, y2 ........... yN are along
same straight line.
A simple example of superposition can be understood by figure shown. Suppose two wave
pulses are travelling simultaneously in opposite directions as shown. When they overlap
each other the displacement of particle on string is the algebric sum of the two displacement
as the displacements of the two pulses are in same direction. Figure shown (b) also shows
the similar situation when the wave pulses are in opposite side.
y
v
y
v
y2
v y2
y1 y2
y1 y1 x
x
v
y
y v
v
y2
v y2
y1 y2
y1 y1 x
x
v

y1 + y2
v v

v
(a) Applications of Principle of Superposition of Waves
There are several different phenomenon which takes place during superposition of two or
more wave depending on the wave characteristics which are being superposed. We'll discuss
some standard phenomenons, and these are :
(1) Interference of Wave
(2) Stationary Waves
(3) Beats
(4) Lissajou's Figures (Not discussed here in detail.)
Lets discuss these in detail.

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(b) Interference of Waves

Suppose two sinusoidal waves of same wavelength and amplitude travel in same direction
along the same straight line (may be on a stretched string) then superposition principle can
be used to define the resultant displacement of every medium particle. The resultant wave in
the medium depends on the extent to which the waves are in phase with respect to each
other, that is, how much one wave form is shifted from the other waveform. If the two waves
are exactly in same phase, that is the shape of one wave exactly fits on to the other wave
then they combine to double the displacement of every medium particle as shown in figure
(a). This phenomenon we call as constructive interference. If the superposing waves are
exactly out of phase or in opposite phase then they combine to cancel all the displacements
at every medium particle and medium remains in the form of a straight line as shown in
figure (b)

y y

A A

Wave I
x x

–A –A

y y

A +A

Wave II
x x

–A

y
y
2A

Resultant
Wave x
x

–2A (a)
(b)

This phenomenon we call destructive interference. Thus we can state that when waves meet,
they interfere constructively if they meet in same phase and destructively if they meet in
opposite phase. In either case the wave patterns do not shift relative to each other as they
propagates. Such superposing waves which have same form and wavelength and have a
fixed phase relation to each other, are called coherent waves. Sources of coherent waves are
called coherent source. Two indepedent sources can never be coherent in nature due to
practical limitations of manufacturing process. Generally all coherent sources are made either
by spliting of the wave forms of a single source or the different sources are fed by a single
main energy source.

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 WAVES Page # 21

In simple words interference is the phenomenon of superposition of two coherent

waves travelling in same direction.
We've discussed that the resultant displacement of a medium particle when two
coherent waves interfere at that point, as sum or difference of the individual displacements
by the two waves if they are in same phase (phase difference = 0, 2, .....) or opposite phase
(phase difference = , 3,.....) respectively. But the two waves can also meet at a medium
particle with phase difference other then 0 or 2, say if phase difference  is such that 0 < 
< 2, then how is the displacement of the point of superposition given ? Now we discuss the
interference of waves in details analytically.

(c) Analytical Treatment of Interference of Waves

S1
x1
A1 sin(t  kx) y1  A1 sin(t  kx1 )

y 2  A 2 sin(t  kx2 )
x2
S2
A 2 sin(t  kx)
Interference implies super position of waves. Whenever two or more than two waves
superimpose each other they give sum of their individual diplacement.
Let the two waves coming from sources S1 & S2 be
y1 = A1 sin ( t + kx1 )
y2 = A2 sin (t + kx2) respectively.
Due to superposition
ynet = y1 + y2
ynet = A1 sin ( t + kx1) + A2 sin (t + kx2)
Phase difference between y1 & y2 = k(x2 – x1)
i.e.,  = k(x2 – x1)

2
As  = x (where x = path difference &  = phase difference)


Anet = A 12  A 22  2A 1A 2 cos 

2
 A net  A 12  A 22  2 A 1A 2 cos 

 Inet = I1 + I2 + 2 I1I2 cos  (as I  A2)

When the two displacements are in phase, then the resultant amplitude will be sum of the
two amplitude & Inet will be maximum, this is known of constructive interference.
For Inet to be maximum
cos = 1   = 2n where n = {0,1,2,3,4,5...........}
2
x  2n  x = n

For constructive interference
Inet = ( I1  I2 )2
When I1 = I2 = I
Inet = 4 I
Anet = A1 + A2

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When superposing waves are in opposite phase, the resultant amplitude is the difference of
two amplitudes & Inet is minimum; this is known as destructive interference.
For Inet to be minimum,
cos  = – 1
 = (2n + 1)  where n = {0,1,2,3,4,5...........}

2 λ
x = (2n + 1)  x = (2n  1)
 2
For destructive interfence
Inet = ( I1 – I2 ) 2
If I1 = I2
Inet = 0
Anet = A1 – A2
( I1  I2 ) 2
Ratio of Imax & Imin =
( I1 – I2 ) 2
Generally,
Inet = I1 + I2 + 2 I1I2 cos 
If I1 = I2 = I
Inet = 2I + 2Icos

Inet = 2I(1 + cos ) = 4Icos2
2

Ex.10 Wave from two source, each of same frequency and travelling in same direction,
but with intensity in the ratio 4 : 1 interfere. Find ratio of maximum to minimum
intensity.
2
 I1 
2
  1
Imax  I1  I2   I2  2
   2  1

 I1 – 1
Sol. = =   =9:1
Imin  I1 – I2   2 – 1
   I 
 2 

Ex.11 A triangular pulse moving at 2 cm/s on a rope approaches an end at which it is free
to slide on a vertical pole.

2 cm/s

1 cm
2 cm 1cm 1cm

1
(a) Draw the pulse at s interval until it is completely reflected.
2
(b) What is the particle speed on the trailing edge at the instant depicted ?

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Sol. (a) Reflection of a pulse from a free boundary is really the superposition of two identical
waves travelling in opposite direction. This can be shown as under.

1cm 1cm 1cm

+ =
2cm 1cm 1cm 2cm 2cm 1cm

At t = ½ S
(a) (b) (c)

2cm
1cm 1cm 1cm
+ =
2cm 1cm 1cm 2cm 2cm 1cm

At t = 1 s
(d) (e) (f)

0.5cm 1cm

0.5cm 1cm 1cm

1cm 1cm 1cm
+ =
1cm 1cm 1cm 2cm

At t = ½ s
(g) (h) (i)

1cm 1cm
1cm
2cm 1cm
+ =
1cm 2cm 1cm 2cm

At t = 2s
(j) (k) (i)

1
In every s , each pulse (one real moving towards right and one imaginary moving towards
2
left travels a distance of 1 cm, as the wave speed is 2 cm/s.)
(b) Particle speed, vp = |– v (slope)|

1
Here, v = wave speed = 2 cm/s and slope =
2
 Particle speed = 1 cm/s Ans.

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Ex.12 Figure shows a rectanglar pulse and triangular pulse approaching each other. The
pulse speed is 0.5 cm/s. Sketch the resultant pulse at t = 2 s

2cm

–2 –1 0 1 2 3
x(cm)

Sol. In 2 s each pulse will travel a distance of 1 cm.

The two pulses overlap between 0 and 1 cm as shown in figure. So, A1 and A2 can be added
as shown in figure (c).

(a) A1 2cm

–1 0 1
+ (c) 2cm
A1
(b)
2cm 2cm
A2 A2
0 1 2 –1 0 1 2
Resultant pluse
at t = 2s

8. REFLECTION AND TRANSMISSION IN WAVES :

1. When a pulse travelling along a string reaches the end, it is reflected. If the end is fixed as
shown in figure (a), the pulse returns inverted. This is bacause as the leading edge reaches
the wall, the string pulls up the wall. According to Newton's third law, the wall will exert an
equal and opposite force on the string as all instants. This force is therefore, directed first
down and then up. It produces a pulse that is inverted but otherwise identical to the original.

The motion of free end can be studied by letting a ring at the end of string sliding smoothly
on the rod. The ring and rod maintain the tension but exert no transverse force.

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 WAVES Page # 25

(a) (b)

Reflection of wave pulse (a) at a fixed end

of a string and (b) at a free end. Time
increases from top to bottom in each
figure.

When a wave arrives at this free end, the ring slides the rod. The ring reaches a maximum
displacement. At this position the ring and string come momentarily to rest as in the fourth
drawing from the top in figure (b). But the string is stretched in this position, giving in-
creased tension, so the free end of the string is pulled back down, and again a reflected pulse
is produced, but now the direction of the displacement is the same as for the initial pulse.

2. The formation of the reflected pulse is similar to the overlap of two pulses travelling in
opposite directions. The net displacement at any point is given by the principle of superpo-
sition.

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 Page # 26 WAVES

(a) (b)

Fig (a) : shows two pulses with the same shape, one inverted with respect to the other,
travelling in opposite directions. Because these two pulses have the same shape the net
displacement of the point where the string is attached to the wall is zero at all times.
Fig (b) : shows two pulses with the same shape, travelling in oppoiste directions but not
inverted relative to each other. Note that at one instant, the displacement of the free end is
double the pulse height.

9. REFLECTION AND TRANSMISSION BETWEEN TWO STRING :

Here we are dealing with the case where the end point is neither completely fixed nor
completely free to move As we consider an example where a light string is attached to a
heavy string as shown is figure a.
If a wave pulse is produced on a light string moving towards the friction a part of the wave is
reflected and a part is transmitted on the heavier string the reflected wave is inverted with
respect to the original one.

T
v1  v2
1 y  At sin(t – k 2 x)
T
v2 
2 At
(v 2 ,  2 ) v1> v2
( v1, 1 ) Ar

v1 y  Ar sin(t  k 1x  )
y  A i sin(t – k 1x)

figure (a)

On the other hand if the wave is produced on the heavier string which moves toward the
junction a part will the reflected and a part transmitted, no inversion in waves shape will take
place.

The wave velocity is smaller for the heavier string lighter string

v1
y  Ai sin( t – k 1x)
v2
P
1 2

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 WAVES Page # 27

v2
v1
Ar At
P

y  Ar sin(t  k1x) y  At sin(t – k 2 x)

figure : (b)
Now to find the relation between Ai, Ar, At we consider the figure (b)
Incident Power = Reflected Power + Transmitted Power
Pi = Pr + Pt
2 2 2
2 2 f 2 A i 1v 1  2 2 f 2 A r 1v 1  2 2 f 2 A t  2 v 2 ...(i)
T T
Put 1 = and 2 =
v 12 v2 2
in equation (i) their
2 2 2
Ai A A
 r  t
v1 v1 v2

2 2 v1 2
Ai  Ar  At .......(ii)
v2
Maximum displacement of joint particle P (as shown in figure) due to left string
= Ai + Ar
Maximum displacement of joint particle due to right string = At
At the boundary (at point P) the wave must be continuous, that is there are no kinks in it.
Then we must have Ai + Ar = At ...(iii)
from equation (ii) & (iii)

v1
Ai – Ar = v A t ...(iv)
2

from eq. (iii) & (iv)

 2v 2 
At =  v  v  A i
 1 2

 v 2 – v1 
Ar =  v  v  A i
 1 2

10. STANDING WAVES :

In previous section we've discussed that when two coherent waves superpose on a medium
particle, phenomenon of interference takes place. Similarly when two coherent waves travelling
in opposite direction superpose then simultaneous interference if all the medium particles
takes place. These waves interfere to produce a pattern of all the medium particles what we
call, a stationary wave. If the two interfering waves which travel in opposite direction carry
equal energies then no net flow of energy takes place in the region of superposition. Within
this region redistribution of energy takes place between medium particles. There are some
medium particles where constructive interference takes place and hence energy increases
and on the other hand there are some medium particles where destructive interference takes
place and energy decreases. Now we'll discuss the stationary waves analytically.

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Let two waves of equal amplitude are travelling in opposite direction along x-axis.
The wave equation of the two waves can be given as
y1 = A sin (t – kx) [Wave travelling in +x direction] ...(1)
and y2 = A sin (t + kx) [Wave travelling in –x direction] ...(2)
When the two waves superpose on medium particles, the resultant displacement of the
medium particles can be given as
y = y1 + y2
or y = A sin (t – kx) + A sin (t + kx)
or y = A [sint cos kx – cos t sin kx + sin t cos kx + cos t sin kx]
or y = 2A cos kx sin  t ...(3)
Equation (3) can be rewritten as
y = R sin t ...(4)
Where R = 2 A cos kx ...(5)
Here equation (4) is an equation of SHM. It implies that after superposition of the two waves
the medium particles executes SHM with same frequency  and amplitude R which is given
by equation (5) Here we can see that the oscillation amplitude of medium particles depends
on x i.e. the position of medium particles. Thus on superposition of two coherent waves
travelling in opposite direction the resulting interference pattern, we call stationary waves,
the oscillation amplitude of the medium particle at different positions is different.
At some point of medium the resultant amplitude is maximum which are given as
R is maximum when cos kx = ± 1

2
or x  N [N  I]


N
or x=
2

 3
or x = 0, , , .....
2 2
and the maximum value of R is given as
Rmax= ± 2 A ...(6)

 3
Thus in the medium at position x = 0, , , , ........... the waves interfere constructively
2 2
and the amplitude of oscillations becomes 2A. Similarly at some points of the medium, the
waves interfere destructively, the oscillation amplitude become minimum i.e. zero in this
case. These are the points where R is minimum, when
cos kx = 0
2 x 
or  ( 2N  1)
 2

or x = (2N + 1) [N  I]
4
 3 5 
or x , , ...........
4 4 4
and the minimum value of R is given as
Rmin = 0 [7]
 3 5
Thus in the medium at position x = , , ......... the waves interfere destructively and
4 4 4
the amplitude of oscillation becomes zero. These points always remain at rest. Figure (a)
shows the oscillation amplitude of different medium particles in a stationary waves.

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 WAVES Page # 29

figure (a)
In figure (a) we can see that the medium particles at which constructive interference takes
place are called antinodes of stationary wave and the points of destructive interference are
called nodes of stationary waves which always remain at rest.
Figure (b) explain the movement of medium particles with time in the region where stationary
waves are formed. Let us assume that at an instant t = 0 all the medium particles are at their
extreme positions as shown in figure - (b - 1). Here points ABCD are the nodes of stationary
waves where medium particles remains at rest. All other starts moving towards their mean
positions and t = T / 4 all particles cross their mean position as shown in figure (b – 3), you
can see in the figure that the particles at nodes are not moving. Now the medium crosses
their mean position and starts moving on other side of mean position toward the other
extreme position. At time t = T/2, all the particles reach their other extreme position as
shown in figure (b - 5) and at time t = 3T/4 again all these particles cross their mean position
in opposite direction as shown in figure (b - 7).

(1) (2) (3)

(4) (5) (6)

(7) (8) (9)

figure (b)
Based on the above analysis of one complete oscillations of the medium particles, we can
make some interference for a stationary waves. These are :
(i) In oscillations of stationary wave in a region, some points are always at rest (nodes) and
some oscillates with maximum amplitudes (antinodes). All other medium particles oscillate
with amplitudes less then those of antinodes.
(ii) All medium particles between two successive nodes oscillate in same phase and all
medium particles on one side of a node oscillate in opposite phase with those on the other
side of the same node.
(iii) In the region of a stationary wave during one complete oscillation all the medium particles
come in the form of a straight line twice.
(iv) If the component wave amplitudes are equal, then in the region where stationary wave
is formed, no net flow of energy takes place, only redistribution of energy takes place in the
medium.

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(a) Different Equation for a Stationary Wave

Consider two equal amplitude waves travelling in opposite direction as
y1 = A sin (t – kx) ...(11)
and y2 = A sin (t + kx) ...(12)
The result of superposition of these two waves is
y = 2A cos kx sin t ...(13)
Which is the equation of stationary wave where 2A cos kx represents the amplitude of medium
particle situated at position x and sin t is the time sinusoidal factor. This equation (13) can
be written in several ways depending on initial phase differences in the component waves
given by equation (11)) can (12). If the superposing waves are having an initial phase
difference , then the component waves can be expressed as
y1 = A sin (t – kx) ...(14)
y2 = – A sin (t – kx) ...(15)
Superposition of the above two waves will result
y = 2A sin kx cos t ...(16)
Equation (16) is also an equation of stationary wave but here amplitude of different medium
particles in the region of interference is given by
R = 2A sin kx ...(17)
Similarly the possible equations of a stationary wave can be written as
y = A0 sin kx cos ( t + ) ....(18)
y = A0 cos kx sin (t + ) ...(19)
y = A0 sin kx sin (t + ) ...(20)
y = A0 cos kx cos (t + ) ...(21)
Here A0 is the amplitude of antinodes. In a pure stationary wave it is given as
A0 = 2A
Where A is the amplitude of component waves. If we care fully look at equation (18) to (21),
we can see that in equation (18) and (20), the particle amplitude is given by
R = A0 sin kx ...(22)
Here at x = 0, there is nodes as R = 0 and in equation (19) and (21) the particle amplitude
is given as
R = A0 cos kx ...(23)
Here at x = 0, there is an antinode as R = A0. Thus we can state that in a given system of co-
ordinates when origin of system is at a node we use either equation (18) or (20) for analytical
representation of a stationary wave and we use equation (19) or (21) for the same when an
antinode is located at the origin of system.
Ex.13 Find out the equation of the standing waves for the following standing wave pat-
tern.

x=L
x=0

2 x x x
(A) A sin x cos t (B) A sin cos  t (C) A cos cos t (D) A cos cos t
L L 2L L

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 WAVES Page # 31

Sol. General Equation of standing wave

y = A cos t
where
A = A sin (kx + )
here  = L
2
 k=
L
 2 
A = A sin (kx + ) = A sin  x  
 L 
at x = 0 node
 A = 0 at x = 0
 =0
2
eq. of standing wave = A sin x cos t y
L
2A
Ex.14 Figure shows the standing waves pattern
in a string at t = 0. Find out the equation of A
the standing wave where the amplitude of
antinode is 2A. x
Sol. Let we assume the equation of standing waves
is = A sin (t + ) –2A
where A = 2A sin (kx + )
 x = 0 is node  A = 0, at x = 0
2A sin  = 0   = 0
at t = 0 Particle at is at y = A and going towards mean position.
  5
 = + =
2 3 6
so eq. of standing waves is
 5 
y = 2Asin kx sin  t  
 6 

Ex.15 A string 120 cm in length sustains standing wave with the points of the string at
which the displacement amplitude is equal to 3.5 mm being separated by 15.0 cm.
The maximum displacement amplitude is X. 95 mm then find out the value of X.
Sol. In this problem two cases are possible :

A x=0 B
B x=0
15cm
15cm
Case - I is that A and B have the same displacement amplitude and case - 2 is that C and
D have the same amplitude viz 3.5 mm. In case 1, if x = 0 is taken at antinode then
A = a cos kx
In case -2, if x = 0 is taken at node, then
A = a sin kx
But since nothing is given in the question.
Hence from both the cases, result should be same. This is possible only when
a cos kx = a sin kx

 A 3 .5
or kx = or a    4.95mm
4 cos kx cos  / 4

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 Page # 32 WAVES

(b) Energy of standing wave in one loop

When all the particles of one loop are at extreme position then total energy in the loop is in
the form of potential energy only when the particles reaches its mean position then total
potential energy converts into kinetic energy of the particles so we can say total energy of
the loop remains constant
Total kinetic energy at mean position is equal to total energy of the loop because potential
energy at mean position is zero.
Small kinetic energy of the particle
which is in element dx is x dx

/2
1
d (KE) = dmv 2
2
dm =  dx
Velocity of particle at mean position
= 2A sin kx 

1
then d (KE) = dx . 4A2 2 sin2kx  d (KE) = 2A22 . sin2kx dx
2
/2
2 2 2
 d(K.E)  2A    sin 0
kxdx

 /2  /2
2 2  sin 2kx  1 2 2
Total K.E = A   (1 – cos 2kx)dx  A    x –
2 2
= A  
  2k  0 2
0
11. STATIONARY WAVES IN STRINGS :

(a) When both end of string is fixed :

A string of length L is stretched between two points. When the string is set into vibrations, a
transverse progressive wave begins to travel along the string. It is reflected at the other
fixed end. The incident and the reflected waves interfere to produce a stationary transverse
wave in which the ends are always nodes, if both ends of string are fixed.
Fundamental Mode
(a) In the simplest form, the string vibrates in one loop in which the ends are the nodes and
the centre is the antinode. This mode of vibration is known as the fundamental mode and
frequency of vibration is known as the fundamental frequency or first harmonic.


Since the distance between consecutive nodes is
2
1
 L  1 = 2L
2
If f1 is the fundamental frequency of vibration, then the velocity of transverse waves is given
as,

v
v   1f1 or f1  ...(i)
2L

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 WAVES Page # 33

First Overtone
(b) The same string under the same conditions
may also vibrate in two loops, such that the cen-
tre is also the node

2 2
 L  2 = L
2  
If f2 is frequency of vibrations 2 2

v v
 f2  
2 L

v
 f2  ...(ii)
L
The frequency f2 is known as second harmonic or first overtone.
Second Overtone
(c) The same string under the same conditions
may also vibrate in three segments.
3 3
 L
2
2
 3  L
3
If f3 is the frequency in this mode of vibration, then,
3v
f3  ...(iii)
2L
The frequency f3 is known as third harmonic or second overtone.
Thus a stretched string vibrates with frequencies, which are integral multiples of the funda-
mental frequencies. These frequencies are known as harmonics.

T
The velocity of transverse wave in stretched string is given as v  . Where T = tension in

the string.
 = linear density or mass per unit length of string. If the string fixed at two ends, vibrates
in its fundamental mode, then

1 T
f ....(17)
2L 

n T
In general f = nth harmonic
2 
(n – 1)th overtone
In general, any integral multiple of the fundamental frequency is an allowed frequency.
These higher frequenceis are called overtones. Thus, v1 = 2v0 is the first overtone, v2 = 3v0
is the second overtone etc. An integral multiple of a frequency is called its harmonic. Thus,
for a string fixed at both the ends, all the overtones are harmonics of the fundamental
frequency and all the harmonics of the fundamental frequency are overtones.

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 Page # 34 WAVES

(b) When one end of the string is fixed and other is free :
free end acts as antinode

/4 1 T
1. f fundamental or Ist harmonic
4 

3 T
2.   3 / 4 f IIIrd harmonic or Ist overtone
4 

(2n  1) T
In general : f  ((2n + 1)th harmonic, nth overtone)
4 

S.No. Tra ve lling w a ve s Sta tiona ry w a ve s

1 These waves advance in a medium with a These waves remain stationary between two
definite velocity boundaries in the medium.
2 In these waves, all particles of the In these waves, all particles except nodes
medium oscillate with same frequency oscillate with same frequency but different
and amplitude. amplitudes. Amplitude is zero at nodes and
maximum at antinodes.
3 At any instant phase of vibration varies At any instant the phase of all particles
continuosly from one particle to the other between two successive nodes is the
i.e., phase difference between two same, but phase of particles on one side of
particles can have any value between a node is opposite to the phase of particles
0 and 2  on the other side of the node, i.e, phase
difference between any two particles can be
either 0 or 

4 In these wave, at no instant all the In these waves all particles of the medium
particles of the medium pass through pass through their mean position
their mean positions simultaneously. simultaneously twice in each time period.
5 These waves transmit energy in the These waves do not transmit energy in the
medium. medium.

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 WAVES Page # 35

Exercise - I (Objective Problems)

1. A transverse wave is described by the equation
Y = Y0 sin 2 (ft – x/). The maximum particle z  exp[ ( x  2) 2 ], Where ‘x’ is in meters. At t=1s,
velocity is equal to four times the wave velocity if the same wave disturbance is given by:
(A)  =  Y0/4 (B)  =  Y0/2 z  exp[ (2  x) 2 ], Then the wave propagation
(C)  =  Y0 (D)  = 2 Y0 velocity is
2. Both the strings, show in figure, are made of (A) 4 m/s in + x direction
same material and have same cross section. The (B) 4 m/s in –x direction
pulleys are light. The wave speed of a transverse (C) 2 m/s in + x direction
wave in the string AB is v1 and in CD it is v2. The (C) 2 m/s in –x direction
v1/v2 is y
A 8. The equation of
a wave travelling 1
along the positive
0
x-axis, as shown in x
–0.5
B C figure at t=0 is
–0.1
given by
   
D (A) sin kx – t   (B) sin kx – t – 
6 6
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 2 (D) 1/ 2
   
3. A transverse wave of amplitude 0.50 m, (C) sin t – kx   (D) sin t – kx – 
wavelength 1 m and frequency 2 hertz is  6  6
propagating in a string in the negative x-direction. 9. Figure shown the shape of part of a long string
The expression form of the wave is in which transverse waves are produced by
(A) y(x,t) = 0.5 sin (2x – 4t) attaching one end of the string to tuning fork of
(B) y(x,t) = 0.5 cos (2x + 4t) frequency 250Hz. What is the velocity of the
(C) y(x,t) = 0.5 sin (x – 2t) waves? 5cm
(D) y(x,t) = 0.5 cos (2x – 2t) 0.3cm
4. Two stretched wires A and B of the same O
0.1cm 0.5cm
lengths vibrate independently. If the radius, –5cm
density and tension of wire A are respectively
twice those of wire B, then the fundamental (A) 1.0 ms–1 (B) 1.5 ms–1 (C) 2.0 ms–1 (D) 2.5 ms–1
frequency of vibration of A relative to that of B is 10. A block of mass 1 kg is hanging
(A) 1:1 (B) 1:2 (C) 1:4 (D) 1:8 vertically from a string of length 1
5. A copper wire is held at the two ends by rigid m and Mass/length =0.001 kg/m.
supports. At 30°C the wire is just taut, with A small pulse is generated at its 1m
negligible tension, The speed of transverse waves lower end. The Pulse reaches the
in this wire at 10°C is : top end in approximately.
( =1.7 × 10–5/°C, Y = 1.3 × 1011 N/m2, d = 9 × (A) 0.2sec (B) 0.1sec (C) 0.02sec (D) 0.01sec
103 kg/m3). 11. A uniform rope having some mass hanges
(A) 80 m/s (B) 90 m/s (C) 100 m/s (D) 70 m/s vertically from a rigid support. A transverse wave
pulse is produced at the lower end. The speed
6. A wave pulse is generated in a string that lies (v) of the wave pulse varies with height (h) from
along x-axis. At the points A and B, as shown in the lower end as:
figure, if RA and RB are ratio of wave speed to the v v
particle speed respectively then :
y
B V (A) (B)

A h h
x
v v
(A) RA > RB (B) RB > RA (C) RA = RB
(D) Information is not sufficient to decide.
7. A wave is propagating along x-axis. The (C) (D)
displacement of particles of the medium in Z-
h h
direction at t=0 is giv en by:

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12. A wire of 10 2 kg m 1 passes over a frictionless

light pulley fixed on the top of a frictionless inclined 1cm
plane, which makes an angle of 30 0 with the 2cm
horizontal. Masses m and M are tied at two ends of (C) 1cm (D)
wire such that m rests on the plane and M hangs
freely vertically downwards. The entire system is O 1cm
in equilibrium and a transverse wave propagates
17. A string 1m long is drawn by a 300Hz vibrator
along the wire with a velocity of 100 ms 1 . attached to its end. The string vibrates in 3
m 1 m segments. The speed of transverse waves in the
(A) M=5 kg (B)  (C) m=20 kg (D) 4 string is equal to
M 4 M
(A) 100m/s (B) 200m/s (C) 300m/s (D) 400m/s
13. A pulse shown here is reflected from the rigid
wall A and then from free end B. The shape of 18. The frequency of a sonometer wire is f, but
the string after these 2 Reflection will be. when the weights producing the tensions are
completely immersed in water the frequency
becomes f/2 and on immersing the weights in a
certain liquid the frequency becomes f/3. The
A specific gravity of the liquid is:
B
4 16 15 32
(A) (B) (C) (D)
3 9 12 27
19. For a wave displacement amplitude is 10–8 m,
(A) A
(B) A density of air 1.3 kg m–3, velocity in air 340 ms–1
B B
and frequency is 2000 Hz. The intensity of wave
is -
(A) 5.3 × 10–4 Wm–2 (B) 5.3 × 10–6 Wm–2
(C) 3.5 × 10–8 Wm–2 (D) 3.5 × 10–6 Wm–2
(C) A
(D) A 20. A wave moving with constant speed on a
B B
uniform string passes the point x = 0 with
amplitude A0, angular frequency 0 and average
14. A composition String is made up by joining rate of energy transfer P0. As the wave travels
two strings of different masses per unit length down the string it gradually loses energy and at
  and 4. the composite string is under the same the point x = , the average rate of energy
tension. A transverse wave pulse: Y = (6mm) sin P
(5t+40x), Where ‘t’ is in seconds and ‘x’ in meters, transfer becomes 0 . At the point x = , angular
2
is sent along the lighter string towards the joint. frequency and amplitude are respectively.
The joint is at x=0. The equation of the wave
pulse reflected from the joint is (A) 0 and A 0 / 2 (B) 0/ 2 and A0
(A) (2mm) sin (5t-40x) (C) less than 0 and A0 (D) 0/ 2 and A0 / 2
(B) (4 mm) sin (40x-5t)
(C) –(2 mm) sin (5t-40x) 21. Two waves of equal amplitude A, and equal
(D) (2 mm) sin (5t-10x) frequency travels in the same direction in a
medium. The amplitude of the resultant wave is
15. In the previous question, the percentage of
(A) 0 (B) A (C) 2A
power transmitted to the heavier string through
(D) between 0 and 2A
the joint is approximately
(A) 33% (B) 89% (C) 67% (D) 75% 22. When two waves of the same amplitude and
frequency but having a phase difference of ,
16. A Wave pulse on a string has the dimension
travelling with the same speed in the same
shown in figure. The waves speed is v=1 cm/s.
direction (positive x), interfere, then
If point O is a free end. The shape of wave at time
v=1cm/s (A) their resultant amplitude will be twice that of
t=3 s is:
a single wave but the frequency will be same
1 cm (B) their resultant amplitude and frequency will
O both be twice that of a single wave
(C) their resultant amplitude will depend on the
1cm 1cm 2cm phase angle while the frequency will be the same
O (D) the frequency and amplitude of the resultant
wave will depend upon the phase angle.
1cm
23. A wave pulse, travelling on a two piece string,
(A) O (B)
gets partially reflected and partially transmitted
1cm
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 WAVES Page # 37

at the junction. The reflected wave is inverted in wave to form a statioary wave such that the
shape as compared to the incident one. If the point x=0 is a node. The equation of the other
incident wave has wavelength  and the wave is:
transmitted wave . (A) -A sin(kx+ωt) (B) -A cos(kx+ωt)
(A)  >  (B)  =  (C)  < 
(D) nothing can be said about the relation of  and . (C) A sin(kx+ωt) (D) A cos(kx+ωt)
th
24. The rate of transfer of energy in a wave 30. A taut string at both ends vibrates in its n
depends overtone. The distance between adjacent Node
(A) directly on the square of the wave amplitude and antinode is found to be ‘d’ If the length of
and square of the wave frequency the string is L, then
(B) directly on the square of the wave amplitude (A) L=2d(n+1) (B) L=d(n+1)
and square root of the wave frequency (C) L=2dn (D) L = 2d(n – 1)
(C) directly on the wave frequency and square
31. A metallic Wire of length L is fixed between
of the wave amplitude
two rigid supports. If the wire is cooled through a
(D) directly on the wave amplitude and square of
temperature difference T (Y = young’s modulus,
the wave frequency.
 = density,  = coefficient of linear expansion)
25. Two wave pulses travel in opposite directions then the frequency of transverse vibration is
on a string and approach each other. The shape proportional to:
of the one pulse in inverted with respect to the  Y  
other. (A) Y (B) (C) (D)
(A) the pulses will collide with each other and  Y Y
vanish after collision. 20
(B) the pulses will reflect from each other i.e., 32. A Standing Wave y  A sin(  x) cos (1000 t ) is
3
the pulse going towards right will finally move maintained in a taut string where y and x are
towards left and vice versa. expressed in meters. The distance between the
(C) the pulses will pass through each other but successive points oscillating with the amplitude A/
their shapes will be modified 2 across a node is equal to
(D) the pulses will pass through each other without (A) 2.5 cm (B) 25 cm (C) 5 cm (D) 10 cm
any change in their shape.
33. A string of length 1m and linear mass density
26. A harmonic wave is travelling on string 1. At
0.01 kgm 1 is stretched to a tension of 100N.when
a junction with string 2 it is partly reflected and
partly transmitted. The linear mass density of the both ends of the string are fixed, the three lowest
second string is four times that of the first string, frequencies for standing wave are f1, f 2 and f 3 .
and that the boundary between the two strings when only one end of the string is fixed, the
is at x =0. If the expression for the incident wave three lowest frequencies for standing wave are
is, yi = Ai cos (k1x – 1t)
n1, n2 and n3 . Then
Then findout the expression for the transmitted
wave. (A) n3 = 5n1 = f3 = 125 Hz
(B) f3 = 5f1 = n2 = 125 Hz
1 3
(A) A i cos( 2k 1x –  1t) (B) A i cos( 2k 1x –  1t) (C) f3 = n2 = 3f1 = 150 Hz
3 2 f f
2 (D) n 2  1 2  75 Hz
(C) A i cos(2k 1x –  1t) (D) None 2
3 34. A wave represented by the equation y = a
27. A wave is represented by the equation cos (kx – t) is superposed with another wave to
y = 1 0sin 2 (100t  0.02 X )  10sin 2 (100t  0.02 X ). form a stationary wave such that the point x = 0
The maximum amplitude and loop length are is a node. The equation for other wave is :
respectively (A) a sin (kx + t) (B) – a cos (kx +  t)
(A) 20 units and 30 units (C) – a cos (kx – t) (D) – a sin (kx – t)
(B) 20 units and 25 units 35. A stretched sonometer wire resonates at a
(C) 30 units and 20 units frequency of 350 Hz and at the next higher
(D) 25 units and 20 units frequency of 420 Hz. The fundamental frequency
28. The resultant amplitude due to superposition of this wire is :
of two waves (A) 350 Hz (B) 5 Hz (C) 70 Hz (D) 170 Hz
Y1  5sin ( wt  kx) and y2  5cos ( wt  kx  1500 ) 36. In a stationary wave represented by y = a sin
t cos kx, amplitude of the component progressive
(A) 5 (B) 5 3 (C) 5 2 – 3 (D) 5 2  3 wave is :
29. A wave represented by the equation a
(A) (B) a (C) 2a (D) None
y  A cos(kx   t ) is superimposed with another 2

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Exercise - II (Multiple Choice Problems)

y b
1. A wave equation which gives the displacement
along the Y direction is given by a c h
Y = 10–4 sin (60t + 2x) o x
d
where x and y are in metres and t is time in e g
seconds. This represents a wave f
(A) travelling with a velocity of 30 m/s in the 7. The points moving upward is/are
negative x direction. (A) a (B) c (C) f (D) g
(B) of wavelength  metre 8. The points moving downwards is/are
(C) of frequency 30/ hertz (A) o (B) b (C) d (D) h
(D) of amplitude 10–4 metre travelling along the 9. The stationary points is/are
negative x direction. (A) o (B) b (C) f (D) h
2. The displacement of a particle in a medium 10. The points moving with maximum speed is/are
due to a wave travelling in the x-direction through (A) b (B) c (C) d (D) h
the medium is given by y = A sin ( t – x), where 11. A perfectly elastic uniform string is suspended
t = time, and  and  are constants : vertically with its upper end fixed to the ceiling
(A) the frequency of the wave is  and the lower end loaded with the weight. If a
(B) the frequency of the wave is /2 transverse wave is imparted to the lower end of
(C) the wavelength is 2/ the string, the pulse will
(D) the velocity of the wave is / (A) not travel along the length of the string
3. A sinusoidal progressive wave is generated in a (B) travel upwards with increasing speed
string. It’s equation is given by y = (2 mm) sin (2x (C) travel upwards with decreasing speed
– 100 t + /3). The time when particle at x = 4 m (D) travelled upwards with constant acceleration
first passes through mean position, will be 12. One end of a string of length L is tied to the
1 1 1 1 ceiling of a lift accelerating upwards with an
(A) sec (B) sec (C) sec (D) sec acceleration 2g. The other end of the string is
150 12 300 100
free. The linear mass density of the string varies
4. A transverse wave is described by the equation linearly from 0 to  from bottom to top.
y = A sin [2(ft – x/)]. The maximum particle (A) The velocity of the wave in the string will be 0.
velocity is equal to four times the wave velocity (B) The acceleration of the wave on the string
if : will be 3g/4 every where.
(A)  = A/4 (B) =A/2 (C)  = A (D)  = 2A (C) The time taken by a pulse to reach from
5. A wave equation is given as y = cos(500t – bottom to top will be 8L / 3 g .
70x), where y is in mm, x in m and t is in sec. (D) The time taken by a pulse to reach from
(A) the wave must be a transverse propagating
wave. bottom to top will be 4L / 3 g .
(B) The speed of the wave is 50/7 m/s
(C) The frequency of oscillations 1000 Hz  x
13. A plane wave y = A sin   t   undergo a
(D) Two closest points which are in same phase  v
have separation 20/7 cm. normal incidence on a plane boundary separating
6. At a certain moment, the medium M1 and M2 and splits into a reflected and
photograph of a string on y transmitted wave having speeds v1 and v2 then
which a harmonic wave is (A) for all values of v 1 and v 2 the phase of
Q
travelling to the right is transmitted wave is same as that of incident wave
shown. Then, which of the (B) for all values of v1 and v2 the phase of reflected
P R x
following is true regarding wave is same as that of incident wave
the velocities of the points (C) the phase of transmitted wave depends upon
P, Q and R on the string. v1 and v2
(A) vP is upwards (B) vQ = – vR (D) the phase of reflected wave depends upon v1
(C) |vP| > |vQ| = |vR| (D) vQ = vR and v2
Question No. 7 to 10 (4 questions) 14. Two waves of equal frequency f and velocity
The figure represents the instantaneous picture v travel in opposite directions along the same
of a transverse harmonic wave traveling along path. The waves have amplitudes A and 3A. Then :
the negative x-axis. Choose the correct (A) the amplitude of the resulting wave varies
alternative(s) related to the movement of the with position between maxima of amplitude 4A
nine points shown in the figure. and minima of zero amplitude
(B) the distance between a maxima and adjacent

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 WAVES Page # 39

minima of amplitude is V/2f the consecutive nodes. For the next higher
(C) at point on the path the average displacement resonant frequency, this separation is reduced to
is zero 1.6 cm. The length of the string is
(D) the position of a maxima or minima of amplitude (A) 4.0 cm (B) 8.0 cm (C) 12.0 cm (D) 16.0 cm
does not change with time 20. A clamped string is oscillating in nth harmonic,
15. The vibration of a string fixed at both ends then
are described by Y = 2 sin(x)sin (100t) where (A) total energy of oscillations will be n2 times
Y is in mm, x is in cm, t in sec then that of fundamental frequency
(A) Maximum displacement of the particle at x = (B) total energy of oscillations will be (n – 1)2
1/6 cm would be 1mm. times that of fundamental frequency
(B) velocity of the particle at x = 1/6 cm at time (C) average kinetic energy of the string over a
t = 1/600 sec will be 1573 mm/s complete oscillations is half of that of the total
(C) If the length of the string be 10 cm, number energy of the string.
of loop in it would be 5 (D) none of these.
(D) None of these 21. Figure, shows a stationary wave between
16. In a standing wave on a string. two fixed points P and Q.
(A) In one time period all the particles are Which point(s) of 1, 2 and 3 are in phase with
simultaneously at rest twice. the point x?
(B) All the particles must be at their positive P X 1 23 Q
extremes simultaneously once in one time period. (A) 1, 2 and 3 (B) 1 and 2 only
(C) All the particles may be at their positive (C) 2 and 3 only (D) 3 only
extremes simultaneously once in a time period.
(D) All the partic les are nev er at re st 22. The equation of a wave disturbance is given
simultaneously.  
as : y  0.02 cos  50 t cos(10 x) , where x and
17. A standing wave pattern of amplitude A in a 2
string of length L shows 2 nodes (plus those at y are in meters and t in seconds. Choose the
two ends). If one end of the string corresponds wrong statement
to the origin and v is the speed of progressive (A) Antinode occurs at x = 0.3 m
wave, the disturbance in the string, could be (B) The wavelength is 0.2 m
represented (with appropriate phase) as : (C) The speed of the constituent waves is 4m/s
(D) Node occurs at x = 0.15 m
 2x   2vt 
(A) y(x, t) = A sin  cos  23. In a stationary wave,
 L   L 
(A) all the particles of the medium vibrate in phase
 3 x   2vt  (B) all the antinodes vibrate in phase
(B) y(x, t) = A cos  sin 
 L   L  (C) the alternate antinodes vibrate in phase
 4x   4vt  (D) all the particles between consecutive nodes
(C) y(x, t) = A cos  cos  vibrate in phase
 L   L 

 3 x   3 vt 
(D) y(x, t) = A sin  cos 
 L   L 

18. The length, tension, diameter and density of

a wire B are double than the corresponding
quantities for another stretched wire A. Then.
1
(A) Fundamental frequency of B is times
2 2
that of A.
1
(B) The velocity of wave in B is times that of
2
velocity in A.
(C) The fundamental frequency of A is equal to
the third overtone of B.
(D) The velocity of wave in B is half that of
velocity in A.
19. A string is fixed at both ends vibrates in a
resonant mode with a separation 2.0 cm between

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 Page # 40 WAVES

Exercise - III (Subjective Problems)

1. Consider the wave y = (5 mm) sin (1 cm–1) x –
(60 s–1)t] Find (a) the amplitude (b) the wave
number, (c) the wavelength, (d) the frequency,
25cm
(e) the time period and (f) the wave velocity.
2. The wave function for a traveling wave on a 2.0m
taut string is (in SI unit) 2kg
y(x, t) = (0.350 m) sin (10 t – 3x + /4)
(a) What are the speed and direction of travel of
the wave ?
(b) What is the vertical displacement of the string 7. A uniform rope of length 12 m and mass 6 kg
at t = 0, x = 0.100 m ? hange vertically from a rigid support. A block of
(c) What are wavelength and frequency of the mass 2 kg is attached to the free end of the
wave ? rope. A transverse pulse of wavelength 0.06 m is
(d) What is the maximum magnitude of the produced at the lower end of the rope. What is
transverse speed of a particle of the string ? the wavelength of the pulse when it reaches the
top of the rope ?
3. The string shown in figure is driven at a
frequecy of 5.00 Hz. The amplitude of the motion 8. A particle on stretched string supporting a
is 12.0 cm, and the wave speed is 20.0 m/s. travelling wave, takes 5.0 ms to move from its
Furthermore, the wave is such that y = 0 at x = mean position to the extreme position. The
0 and t = 0. Determine (a) the angular frequency distance between two consecutive particles,
which are at their mean position, is 2.0 cm. Find
and (b) wave number for this wave. (c) Write an
the frequency, the wavelength and the wave
expression for the wave function. Calculate (d)
speed.
the maximum transverse speed and (e) the
maximum transverse acceleration of a point on 9. A 6.00 m segment of a long string has a mass
the string. of 180 g. A high-speed photograph shows the at
y segment contains four complete cycles of wave.
The string is vibrating sinusoidally with a frequency
x of 50.0 Hz and a peak=to-valley displacement of
15.0 cm. (The "peak-to-valley" displacement is
the vertical distance from the farthest positive
x=0
dis plac ement to the farthes t ne gative
4. Two strings A and B with  = 2 kg/m and  = 8
displacement. (a) Write the function that
kg/m respectively are joined in series and kept
describes this wave traveling in the positive x
on a horizontal table with both the ends fixed. direction. (b) Determine the power being supplied
The tension in the string is 200 N. If a pulse of to the string.
amplitude 1 cm travels in A towards the junction,
then find the amplitude of reflected and 10. A 200 Hz wave with amplitude 1 mm travels
transmitted pulse. on a long string of linear mass density 6 g/m kept
under a tension of 60 N. (a) Find the average
5. A parabolic pulse given by equation y (in cm) power transmitted across a given point on the
= 0.3 – 0.1 (x – 5t)2 ( y  0) x in meter and t in string. (b) Find the total energy associated with
second travelling in a uniform string. The pulse the wave in a 2.0m long portion of the string.
passes through a boundary beyond which its
velocity becomes 2.5 m/s. What will be the 11. The equation of a plane wave travelling along
amplitude of pulse in this medium after 2
positive direction of x-axis is y = a sin (vt – x)
transmission ? 
When this wave is reflected at a rigid surface
6. In the arrangement shown in figure, the string and its amplitude becomes 80%, then find the
has mass of 4.5 g. How much time will it take for equation of the reflected wave
a transverse disturbance produced at the floor
to reach the pulley ? Take g = 10 m/s2 12. A travelling wave of amplitude 5 A is partially
reflected from a boundary with the amplitude 3
A. Due to superposition of two waves with different
amplitudes in opposite directions a standing wave

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 WAVES Page # 41

pattern is formed. Determine the amplitude at 19. A string vibrates in 4 loops with a frequency
node and antinodes. of 400 Hz.
13. Two waves are described by (a) What is its fundamental frequency ?
y1 = 0.30 sin [(5x – 200)t] (b) What is frequency will cause it to vibrate into
and y2 = 0.30 sin [(5x – 200t) + /3] 7 loops.
where y1, y2 and x are in meters and t is 20.A string fixed at both ends is vibrating in the
in seconds. When these two waves are combined, lowest mode of vibration for which a point at
a traveling wave is produced. What are the (a) quarter of its lengths from one end is a point of
amplitude, (b) wave speed, and (c) wave length maximum displacement. The frequency of vibration
of that traveling wave ? in this mode is 100 Hz. What will be the frequency
14.What are (a) the lowest frequency, (b) the emitted when it vibrates in the next mode such
second lowest frequency, and (c) the third lowest that this point is again a point of maximum
frequency for standing waves on a wire that is displacement.
10.0 m long has a mass of 100 g. and is stretched 21. A guitar string is 90 cm long and has a
under a tension of 250 N which is fixed at both fundamental frequency of 124 Hz. Where should
ends ? it be pressed to produced a fundamental
15. A nylon guitar string has a linear density of frequency of 186 Hz ?
7.20 g/m and is under a tension of 150 N. The 22. A 2.00 m long rope, having a mass of 80 g, is
fixed supports are distance D = 90.0 cm apart. fixed at one end and is tied to a light string at
The string is oscillating in the standing wave the other end. The tension in the string is 256 N.
pattern shown in figure. Calculate the (a) speed (a) Find the frequencies of the fundamental and
wavelength, and (c) frequency of the traveling the first two overtones. (b) Find the wavelength
waves whose superposition gives this standing in the fundamental and the first two overtones.
wave.
23. A stretched uniform wire of a sonometer
between two fixed knife edges, when vibrates in
D
its second harmonic gives 1 beat per second with
a vibrating tuning fork of frequency 200 Hz. Find
the percentage change in the tension of the wire
to be in unison with the tuning fork.
16.A string that is stretched between fixed 24. A sonometer wires resonates with a given
supports separated by 75.0 cm has resonant tuning fork forming standing waves with five
frequencies of 420 and 315 Hz with no intermediate antinodes between the two bridges when a mass
resonant frquencies. What are of 9 kg is suspended from the wire. When this
(a) the lowest resonant frequencies and (b) the mass is replaced by M, the wire resonates with
wave speed ? the same tuning fork forming three antinodes for
the same position of bridges. Find the value of M.
17. A string oscillates according to the equation
25. A 40 cm long wire having a mass 3.2 gm and
  –1  area of c.s. 1 mm2 is stretched between the
y = (0.50 cm) sin  3 cm  x cos [(40  s–1)t]
  support 40.05 cm apart. In its fundamental mode.
What are the (a) amplitude and (b) speed of the It vibrate with a frequency 1000/64 Hz. Find the
two waves (identical except for direction of young’s modulus of the wire.
travel) whose superposition gives this oscillation 26. A steel rod having a length of 1m is fastened
? (c) What is the distance between nodes ? (d) at its middle. Assuming young’s modulus to be 2
What is the transverse speed of a particle of the × 1011 Pa, and density to be 8 gm/cm3 find the
string at the position x = 1.5 cm when t = 9/8 s ? fundamental frequency of the longitudinal
18. In an experiment of standing waves, a string vibration and frequency of first overtone.
90 cm long is attached to the prong of an
electrically driven tuning fork that oscillates
perpendicular to the length of the string at a
frequency of 60 Hz. The mass of the string is
0.044 kg. What tension must the string be under
(weights are attached to the other end) if it is to
oscillate in four loops ?

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Exercise - IV (TOUGH SUBJECTIVE PROBLEMS)

1. The figure shows a snap photograph of a vi- of the transverse velocity of particle of string
brating string at t = 0. The particle P is observed versus time at x = +1m.
moving up with velocity 20 cm/s. The angle made
4. In a stationary wave pattern that forms as a
by string with x-axis at P is 6°.
result of reflection of waves from an obstacle
the ratio of the amplitude at an antinode and a
y node is  = 1.5. What percentage of the energy
–3
(in10 m)
4 P passes across the obstacle?

x
0 1.5 3.5 5.5 7.5 5. A string, 25 cm long, having a mass of 0.25
(in10 m)
–2
gm/cm, is under tension. A pipe closed at one
end is 40 cm long. When the string is set vibrat-
(a) Find the direction in which the wave is mov- ing in its first overtone, and the air in the pipe in

ing its fundamental frequency, 8 beats/sec are heard.

(b) the equation of the wave It is observed that decreasing the tension in the

(c) the total energy carried by the wave per cycle string, decreases the beat frequency. If the speed

of the string, assuming that , the mass per unit of sound in air is 320 m/s, find the tension in the

length of the string = 50 gm/m. string.

2. A uniform rope of length L and mass m is held 6. A metal rod of length l = 100 cm is clamped at

at one end and whirled in a horizontal circle with two points. Distance of each clamp from nearer

angular velocity . Ignore gravity. Find the time end is a = 30cm. If density and Young’s modulus

required for a transverse wave to travel from one of elasticity of rod material are  = 9000 kgm–3

end of the rope to the other. and Y = 144 GPa respectively, calculate minimum
and next higher frequency of natural longitudinal
3. A symmetrical triangular pulse of maximum
oscillations of the rod.
height 0.4m and total length 1 m is moving in the
positive x-direction on a string on which the wave
speed is 24 m/s. At t = 0 the pulse is entirely
located between x = 0 and x = 1 m. Draw a graph

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Exercise - V JEE-Problems
1. A metallic rod of length 1m is rigidly clamped string is 1.6 N. Identical wave pulses are produced
at its mid-point. Longitudinal stationary waves at one end at equal intervals of time,  t. The
are set up in the rod in such a way that there minimum value of  t which allows constructive
are two nodes on either side of the mid-point. interference between successive pulses is
The amplitude of an antinode is 2 × 10–6m. Write (A) 0.05 s (B) 0.10 s (C) 0.20 s (D) 0.40 s
the equation of motion at a point 2 cm from the (iii) A transverse sinusoidal wave of amplitude a,
mid-point and those of the constituent waves in wavelength  & frequency f is travelling on a
the rod [Young’s modulus = 2 × 1011 Nm–2, density stretched string. The maximum speed of any point
= 8000 Kg m–3]. [JEE-94, 6]
v
on the string is , where v is speed of propagation
2. Select the correct alternative : 10
[JEE-96, 2×2 = 4] of the wave. If a = 10–3m and v = 10 ms–1, then 
(i) The extension in a string, obeying Hooke’s law & f are given by
is x. The speed of wave in the stretched string is (A)  = 2  × 10–2 m (B)  = 10–2 m
v. If the extension in the string is increased to
10 3
1.5 x, the speed of wave will be (C) f  Hz (D) f = 104 Hz
(A) 1.22 v (B) 0.61 v (C) 1.50 v (D) 0.75 v 2
(ii) An open pipe is suddenly closed at one end 6. A long wire PQR is made by joining two wires
with the result that the frequency of third PQ and QR of equal radii. PQ has length 4.8 m
harmonic of the closed pipe is found to be higher and mass 0.06 kg.QR has length 2.56 m and mass
by 100 Hz than the fundamental frequency of 0.2 kg. The wire PQR is under a tension of 80N. A
the open pipe. The fundamental frequency of the sinusoidal wave-pulse of amplitude 3.5 cm is sent
open pipe is along the wire PQ from the end P. No power is
(A) 200 Hz (B) 300 Hz (C) 240 Hz (D) 480 Hz dissipated during the propagation of wave-pulse.
3. A place progressive wave of frequency 25 Hz, Calculate [JEE-99, 4+6]
amplitude 2.5 × 10–5 m & initial phase zero (a) the time taken by the wave-pulse to reach
propagates along the (–ve) x-direction with a the other end R of the wire, and
velocity of 300 m/s. At any instant, the phase (b) the amplitude of the reflected and transmitted
difference between the oscillations at two points wave-pulses after the incident wave-pulse crosses
6m apart along the line of propagation is ______ the joint Q.
& the corresponding amplitude difference is 7. As a wave progagates : [JEE-99, 3]
______ m. [JEE-97, 2] (A) the wave intensity remains constant for a
4. A wave travelling in a stretched string is described plane wave
by the equation y = A sin (kx – t). The maximum (B) the wave intensity decreases as the inverse
particle velocity is of the distance from the source for a spherical
(A) A (B) /k (C) d/dk (D) x/t wave
[JEE-97, 1] (C) the wave intensity decreases as the inverse
square of the distance from the source for a
5. Select the correct alternative (s). spherical wave
[JEE-98, 2 + 2 + 2] (D) total power of the sherical wave over the
(i) The (x, y) co-ordinates of the corners of a spherical surface centered at the source remains
square plate are (0, 0) (L, 0) (L, L) & (0, L). The constant at all times.
edges of the plate are clamped & transverse
standing waves are set up in it. If u(x, y) denotes 8. y(x, t) = 0.8/ [(4x + 5t)2 + 5] represents a
the displacement of the plate at the point (x, y) moving pulse, where x & y are in meter and t in
at some instant of time, the possible expression(s) second. Then :
for u is/are : (a = positive constant) (A) pulse is moving in +x direction
(B) in 2s it will travel a distance of 2.5 m
  x   y   x   y
(A) a cos  cos  (B) a sin   sin   (C) its maximum displacement is 0.16 m
 2L   2L   L  L (D) it is a symmetric pulse [JEE-99, 3]
  x  2 y   2 x    y 9. In a wave motion y = a sin (kx – t), y can
(C) a sin   sin   (D) a cos   sin   represent :
 L  L   L   L
(A) electric field (B) magnetic field
(ii) A string of length 0.4 m & mass 10–2 kg is (C) displacement (D) pressure [JEE-99, 3]
tightly clamped at its ends. The tension in the

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10. Standing waves can be produced [JEE-99, 3] from f1 then again a resonance is obtained when
(A) on a string clamped at both the ends the frequency is f2. If in this case the string
(B) on a string clamped at one end and free at vibrates in nth harmonic then [JEE-2005(Scr)]
the other
3 5
(C) when incident wave gets reflected from a wall (A) n = 3, f2  f1 (B) n = 3, f2  f1
(D) when two identical waves with a phase 4 4
difference of  are moving is same direction 5 3
(C) n = 5, f2  f1 (D) n = 5, f2  f1
11. Two vibrating strings of the same material 4 4
but lengths L and 2L have radii 2r and r 17. A transverse harmonic disturbance is produced
respectively. They are stretched under the same in a string. The maximum transverse velocity is 3
tension. Both the strings vibrate in their m/s and maximum transverse acceleration is 90
fundamental modes, the one of length L with m/s2. If the wave velocity is 20 m/s then find the
frequency f1 and the other with frequency f2. waveform. [JEE-2005]
The ratio f1/f2 is given by [JEE-2000(Scr), 1]
(A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 8 (D) 1 18. A massless rod is suspended by two identical
strings AB and CD of equal length. A block of
12. The ends of a stretched wire of length L are mass m is suspended from point O such that BO
fixed at x = 0 and x = L. In one experiment, the is equal to ‘x’. Further, it is observed that the
displacement of the wire is y1 = A sin (x/L) sin frequency of 1st harmonic (fundamental frequency)
t and energy is E1 and in another experiment its in AB is equal to 2nd harmonic frequency in CD.
displacement is y2 = A sin(2x/L) sin 2t and Then, length of BO is [JEE-2006]
energy is E2. Then [JEE-2001(Scr)]
(A) E2 = E1 (B) E2 = 2E1 C
(C) E2 = 4E1 (D) E2 = 16E1 A
13. Two pulses in a stretched string whose centres
are initially 8cm apart are moving towards each
other as shown in figure. The speed of each pulse B D
is 2 cm/s. After 2 seconds, the total energy of
the pulses will be [JEE-2001(Scr)] L
x
m
L L 4L 3L
(A) (B) (C) (D)
5 4 5 4
8 cm 19. A transverse sinusoidal wave moves along a
(A) zero (B) purely kinetic string in the positive x-direction at a speed of 10
(C) purely potential cm/s. The wavelength of the wave is 0.5 m and
(D) partly kinetic and partly potential its amplitude is 10 cm. At a particular time t, the
14. A sonometer wire resonates with a given snap-shot of the wave is shown in figure. The
tuning fork forming standing waves with five velocity of point P when its displacement is 5 cm
antinodes between the two bridges when a mass is Figure : y [JEE-2008]
of 9 kg is suspended from the wire. When this
mass is replaced by mass M, the wire resonates P
with the same tuning fork forming three antinodes
for the same positions of the bridges. The value of x
M is [JEE-2002(Scr), 3]
(A) 25 kg (B) 5 kg
(C) 12.5 kg (D) 1/25 kg
15. A stringe between x = 0 and x = l vibrates in 3  3 
(A) j m/s (B) – j m/s
fundamental mode. The amplitude A, tension T 50 50
and mass per unit length  is given. Find the total 3  3 
energy of the string. [JEE-2003] (C) i m/s (D) – i m/s
50 50
x=0 x=l 20. A 20 cm long string, having a mass of 1.0 g,
is fixed at both the ends. The tension in the string
16. A string fixed at both ends is in resonance in is 0.5 N. The string is set into vibrations using an
its 2nd harmonic with a tuning fork of frequency external vibrator of frequency 100 Hz. Find the
f 1 . Now its one end becomes free. If the separation (in cm) between the successive nodes
frequency of the tuning fork is increased slowly on the string. [JEE 2009]
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Exercise-I
1. B 2. D 3. B 4. B 5. D 6. A 7. A
8. D 9. A 10. D 11. C 12. C 13. A 14. C
15. B 16. D 17. B 18. D 19. D 20. A 21. D
22. C 23. C 24. A 25. D 26. C 27. B 28. A
29. B 30. A 31. B 32. C 33. D 34. B 35. C
36. A

Exercise-II

1. A,B,C,D 2. B,C,D 3. C 4. B 5. A,B,D 6. C,D 7. A,D

8. C 9. B,C 10. C,D 11. B,D 12. B,C 13. A,D 14. C,D
15. A,B 16. A,C 17. D 18. C,D 19. B 20. A,C 21. C
22. C 23. C,D

Exercise-III

1. (a) amplitude A = 5 mm (b) wave number k = 1 cm–1

2  60
(c) wavelength  = = 2 cm (d) frequency v = = Hz
k 2 2

1 
(e) time period T = = s (f) wave velocity u = n = 60 cm/s
v 30

10 
2. (a) i m / s (b) –5.48 cm (c) 0.667 m, 5.00 Hz (d) 11.0 m/s
3
3. (a) 10  rad/s (b) /2 rad/m (c) y = (0.120m) sin (1.57x – 31.4 t) (d) 1.2  m/s (e) 118 m/s2
1 2
4. Ar = – cm, At = cm 5. 0.2 cm 6. 0.02 s 7. 0.12 m 8. 50 Hz, 4.0 cm, 2.0 m/s
3 3
9. (a) y = (7.50 cm) sin (4.19 x – 314 t) (b) 625 W 10. (a) 0.47 W, (b) 9.4 mJ

2 
11. y = 0.8 a sin ( vt  x  ) 12. 2 A, 8 A 13. (a) 0.52 m ; (b) 40 m/s ; (c) 0.40 m
 2

5 10 5 10
14. (a) Hz ; (b) 5 10 Hz ; (c) Hz 15. (a) 144 m/s ; (b) 60.0 cm ; (c) 241 Hz
2 2
16. (a) 105 Hz ; (b) 158 m/s 17. (a) 0.25 cm (b) 1.2 × 102 cm/s; (c) 3.0 cm; (d) 0
18. 36 N 19. (a) 100 Hz (b) 700 Hz 20. 300 Hz 21. 60 cm from an end.
22. (a) 10 hz, 30 Hz, 50 Hz
(b) 8.00 m, 1.60 m
23. 1% 24. 25 kg 25. 1 × 109 Nm2 26. 2.5 kHz, 7.5 kHz

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Exercise-IV
 1  
1. (a) negative x; (b) y = 4 × 10–3 sin 100  3 t  0.5 x   (x, y in meter) ; (c) 144  × 10–5 J 2.
400  2

vp
19.2 m/s

3. 1/48 sec1/24 sec t 4. 96% 5. 67.6 N 6. 10 kHz, 30 kHz

–19.2m/s

Exercise-V

1. y = 2 × 10–6sin(0.1)cos (25000 t + ), for  = 0 : y1 = 10–6 sin(5x – 25000t), y2 = 10–6sin(5x + 25000t)

2. (i) A, (ii) A 3. rad, 0 m 4. A
5. (i) B,C, (ii) B, (iii) A,C

V2  V1 2V2
6. (a) Time = 140 ms, (b) A r  . cm ; A t  V  V A i  2 cm
A i  15
V2  V1 1 2

7. A,C,D 8. B,C,D 9. A,B,C 10. A,B,C 11. D 12. C 13. B

A22T 3
14. A 15. E  16. C 17. y = (10 cm) sin (30 t ± x + )
4l 2
18. A 19. A 20. 5

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