Physlet Physics by Christian and Belloni: Problem 17.14

17.1: Wave Types
17.2: Wave Functions
17.3: Superposition of Pulses
17.4: Superposition of Traveling Waves
17.5: Resonant Behavior on a String
17.6: Plucking a String
17.7: Group and Phase Velocity

Problem 17.14: Determine the properties of a standing wave on a taut string

Please wait for the animation to completely load.

The animation shows a portion of a standing wave on a taut string (position is given in centimeters and time is given in seconds). Restart.

What is the speed of a wave traveling to the right on this string?
Write an equation for the height of the string as a function of both position and time. That is, write a formula for y(x, t).

Physlets were developed at Davidson College and converted from Java to JavaScript using the SwingJS system developed at St. Olaf College.