Chapter 9 Question 2
 
a. A continuous transverse wave is sent along a heavy spring without any reflection. Show that the power of the wave received by the target is proportional to
i)      the square of the amplitude
5 marks
ii)     the square of the wave frequency  
 
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Suppose a transverse wave of amplitude a is sent along a string.
The particles in a travelling wave are performing SHM. Consider a small section (blue color in Fig.9.2.1) of mass m. The energy carried by m is 1
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Suppose the mass per unit length of the string is m. Then, each wavelength of the string will carry energy of
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This amount of energy will be received by the receiver within one period. Thus, the power of the wave is
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Thus, the power is proportional to the square of amplitude and the square of the frequency.
 
b. Explain the meaning of wave intensity. Discuss how the wave intensity received by a receiver varies with the distance from a wave source. You should discuss separately
i)    a point source emitting spherical waves
4 marks
 
Intensity I is defined as the power received per unit area.
Point source
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Suppose the power of the point source is Po. Assuming no energy loss, the power would be distributed evenly over a spherical area of 4 p r2
Thus, the intensity of wave at distance r from the source is
 
Since 
 
the amplitude varies with r as follows:
 
 
ii)     a line source emitting cylindrical waves.
      Hence, find the relationship between the wave amplitude and the distance from the source.
 
 
Line source
Suppose the power of the line source is Po. Assuming no energy loss, the power would be distributed evenly over the curved area of the cylinder: 2 p r h
Thus, the intensity of wave at distance r from the source is
 
The amplitude varies with r as follows:
 
 
c. A pulse of longitudinal wave is sent along a horizontal slinky spring, with a compression followed by a rarefaction. Using a diagram, describe the reflected pulse if the other end of the slinky is
i)    a fixed wall
3 marks
 
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The wave reflected at a denser medium undergoes p phase change. Thus, the initial motion to the right becomes left motion after reflection. 0.5
 
ii)     another horizontal slinky with a smaller spring constant.  
 
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A spring with a smaller spring constant is a weaker spring. Thus, the wave is reflected at a less dense medium. There is no phase change. 0.5
 
d. A ball falling vertically is rebound from a horizontal ground. Show that the time of contact during the impact is dependent on the size and the material of the ball. 4 marks
 
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When the ball hits the ground, a compression pulse is generated and propagates upward until it reaches the top of the ball. 1
As the pulse is reflected by a less dense medium, there is no phase change and the compression pulse becomes a rarefaction. 1
The ball remains in contact with the ground until the reflected pulse reaches the bottom.
The time of contact is equal to the time for the pulse to travel inside the ball for a distance equal to twice the diameter. It is dependent on the size of the ball. The speed of travel depends on the material of the ball. 1
 
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