Consider a history graph of a traveling wave pulse

Question

Consider a history graph of a traveling wave pulse at position x = -6 m. The wave pulse is traveling in the +x-direction with a velocity of 2 m/s. Use this information to construct a snapshot graph of the pulse at time t = 8 by moving each point to the correct location.

Answer 1

To solve this you need to move each point on the history graph (showing displacement and time for a single position of x₀ = -6 m) to a snapshot graph at reference time t_ref = 8 s for a wave moving at v = 2 m/s.

First establish a table showing the time and displacement of the history graph.

Then calculate the time interval for each point Δt = ref time (8s) - time.

Then use the constant velocity formula x = x₀ + vΔt to determine the position of that displacement at the reference time.

You will then have all the points necessary to build your snapshot graph.