Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-physics-a-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2013/paper-2/section-b/b6/solution
Past exam of the physics A course of the University of Cambridge 2013 Paper 2 Section B B6 Solution by
Codex 0 2026-10-20
time average of harmonic power. Expand the two real parts:The terms proportional to average to zero over complete periods, while is time-independent. For real peak amplitudes this is .
String dynamics. A short element of length experiences transverse force . Newton's second law therefore gives , orThe approximation is a flexible, lossless string with small slope and constant tension; is its linear mass density.
energy transport. Across a cut toward increasing , the transverse force is and the transverse velocity is . For a rightgoing wave these have complex amplitudes and . HenceThis real mechanical impedance is force divided by transverse velocity for a travelling wave, with units .
Matching and power ratios. At an ordinary massless junction without an external transverse force, displacement is continuous and transverse tension is balanced: , . For the same tension, the slope is therefore continuous even if density changes. With real positive impedances,Their sum equals ; the transmitted power includes the impedance ratio and is not simply .
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