Sound Waves - Displacement Function
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Sound Waves - Displacement Function
s(x,t) = instantaneous particle displacement (m); s_m = displacement amplitude (m); k = angular wavenumber (rad/m); x = position (m); ω = angular frequency (rad/s); t = time (s).
- Related Glossary Terms
Pressure/Displacement Amplitude Relationship, Sound Waves - Pressure Function
- Index
Reviewed physics notes (1)
These corrections keep the original lesson’s purpose while fixing errors in the source edition.
- Instantaneous displacement is distinguished from the amplitude. — Reference 1
Glossary and deeper reading · 2 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Wave
A wave is a propagating disturbance that can transfer energy without transporting the medium as a whole. Mechanical waves require a material medium, while electromagnetic waves can propagate through vacuum. For example, a pulse travels along a rope while individual rope segments move locally around their equilibrium positions.
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Displacement
Displacement is the vector change in position from the start of an interval to its end. It depends on those endpoints rather than the length or shape of the path traveled. For example, walking around a closed track and returning to the start gives zero displacement but a nonzero distance traveled.