Example 5.9.3

Previous:  Problem 5.19

           We are now looking at the reflection of a wave at some interface. In order to understand that process, we are looking at the separation of waves. This and the next example forms the basis of the section 5.10.

If an infinite train of harmonic plane waves propagates on a plane with unit direction , find the form of longitudinal and transverse wave

Solution:

          Let P be a generic point on the plane.  Since the wave is restricted to the plane (normal to ). Motion of particle P should be identical to all the points on the plane.

           Thus the form will be

Longitudinal Wave:

     Should be parallel to

Transverse Wave:

  Should be parallel to the plane (perpendicular to )

Next:  Example 5.9.4

12/04/01 0:07:06