Question 15 of 949
The equation of a wave traveling along the positive x-direction is given by;
y = 0.25 x 10−3 sin (500t - 0.025x).
Determine the angular frequency of the wave motion.
- A. 0.25 x 10-3rad s-1
- B. 0.25 x 10-1rad s-1
- C. 5.00 x 102rad s-1
- D. 2.50 x 103rad s-1
Correct Answer:
C
Explanation
To determine the angular frequency of the wave motion given by the equation:
\[ y = 0.25 \times 10^{-3} \sin(500t - 0.025x) \]
we need to analyze the wave equation in the context of wave properties.
### Step 1: Identify the General Form of the Wave Equation
The general form of a sinusoidal wave traveling in the positive x-direction can be expressed as:
\[ y(x, t) = A \sin(\omega t - kx) \]
where:
- \( A \) is the amplitude of the wave,
- \( \omega \) is the angular frequency (in radians per second),
- \( k \) is the wave number (in radians per meter),
- \( t \) is time (in seconds),
- \( x \) is the position (in meters).
### Step 2: Extract the Angular Frequency from the Given Equation
From the given wave equation:
\[ y = 0.25 \times 10^{-3} \sin(500t - 0.025x) \]
we can see that the term multiplying \( t \) inside the sine function is \( 500 \). This term corresponds to the angular frequency \( \omega \).
### Step 3: Identify the Angular Frequency
Thus, we have:
\[ \omega = 500 \, \text{rad/s} \]
### Step 4: Compare with the Options
Now, let's compare this value with the provided options:
- A. \( 0.25 \times 10^{-3} \, \text{rad/s} \)
- B. \( 0.25 \times 10^{-1} \, \text{rad/s} \)
- C. \( 5.00 \times 10^{2} \, \text{rad/s} \)
- D. \( 2.50 \times 10^{3} \, \text{rad/s} \)
The correct answer is **C. \( 5.00 \times 10^{2} \, \text{rad/s} \)**, which is equivalent to \( 500 \, \text{rad/s} \).
### Step 5: Explanation of Incorrect Options
- **Option A: \( 0.25 \times 10^{-3} \, \text{rad/s} \)**
This value is much too small. It represents \( 0.00025 \, \text{rad/s} \), which is not consistent with the angular frequency derived from the wave equation.
- **Option B: \( 0.25 \times 10^{-1} \, \text{rad/s} \)**
This value is \( 0.025 \, \text{rad/s} \), which is also significantly lower than the calculated angular frequency of \( 500 \, \text{rad/s} \).
- **Option D: \( 2.50 \times 10^{3} \, \text{rad/s} \)**
This value is \( 2500 \, \text{rad/s} \), which is higher than the calculated angular frequency. It does not match the coefficient of \( t \) in the sine function.
### Summary of Key Points
- The angular frequency \( \omega \) is derived from the coefficient of \( t \) in the wave equation.
- The correct angular frequency for the given wave equation is \( 500 \, \text{rad/s} \), which corresponds to option C.
- Understanding the structure of the wave equation is crucial for identifying wave properties like angular frequency.
### Revision Summary
- The wave equation is of the form \( y = A \sin(\omega t - kx) \).
- The angular frequency \( \omega \) is the coefficient of \( t \) in the sine function.
- For the given wave equation, \( \omega = 500 \, \text{rad/s} \).
- The correct answer is option C: \( 5.00 \times 10^{2} \, \text{rad/s} \).