The vertical position y has the same units as the amplitude A because the sine function is a dimensionless, unitless quantity. In the equation y(x,t)=Asin(kx−ωt+ϕ), the argument of the sine function evaluates to a pure number in radians, which has no physical units.
Conditions: Applies to the traveling sinusoidal wave equation y(x,t)=Asin(kx−ωt+ϕ).; The sine function outputs a dimensionless number.; A is measured in distance units (e.g., meters).
The vertical position y has the same units as the amplitude A because the sine function is a dimensionless, unitless quantity. In the equation y(x,t)=Asin(kx−ωt+ϕ), the argument of the sine function evaluates to a pure number in radians, which has no physical units.
Conditions: Applies to the traveling sinusoidal wave equation y(x,t)=Asin(kx−ωt+ϕ).; The sine function outputs a dimensionless number.; A is measured in distance units (e.g., meters).
To check the units of the sine argument kx−ωt+ϕ, assign the units of each variable: k is in rad/m, x is in m, ω is in rad/s, t is in s, and ϕ is in rad. Multiply the units for kx and ωt to see that meters and seconds cancel out, leaving radians.
Conditions: Applies to the traveling sinusoidal wave equation y(x,t)=Asin(kx−ωt+ϕ).; k has units rad/m.; x has units m.; ω has units rad/s.; t has units s.; ϕ has units rad.
To check the units of the sine argument kx−ωt+ϕ, assign the units of each variable: k is in rad/m, x is in m, ω is in rad/s, t is in s, and ϕ is in rad. Multiply the units for kx and ωt to see that meters and seconds cancel out, leaving radians.
Conditions: Applies to the traveling sinusoidal wave equation y(x,t)=Asin(kx−ωt+ϕ).; k has units rad/m.; x has units m.; ω has units rad/s.; t has units s.; ϕ has units rad.
The phase constant ϕ, also called phase shift or phase constant, measures where the oscillation started in the cycle. For the displayed wave equation, it is restricted to the interval 0≤ϕ<2π rad and must be expressed in radians.
Conditions: Applies to the phase constant ϕ in the traveling sinusoidal wave equation.; ϕ must be in radians for the equation.; The allowed range is 0≤ϕ<2π rad.
The phase constant ϕ, also called phase shift or phase constant, measures where the oscillation started in the cycle. For the displayed wave equation, it is restricted to the interval 0≤ϕ<2π rad and must be expressed in radians.
Conditions: Applies to the phase constant ϕ in the traveling sinusoidal wave equation.; ϕ must be in radians for the equation.; The allowed range is 0≤ϕ<2π rad.