9.2.P25

Consider the equation

y(x, t) =A cos(at) sin(bx)

Let x represent some position and t represent time.

1. Describe a physical situation that could be represented by this equation. As part of your description include a sketch and a written description. Indicate what y and x correspond to in the situation you describe.
2. How, if at all, would the physical situation you described in part A be different if a were twice as large? Explain how you determined your answer.
3. How, if at all, would the physical situation you described in part A be different if b were twice as large? Explain how you determined your answer.

Joe Redish 10/31/02