Solution

ID: past-exam-of-the-physics-a-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2014/paper-2/section-b/b7/solution

Reflection at the fixed edges combines waves with opposite into a transverse standing wave while retaining their common longitudinal propagation factor. The membrane waveguide scalar transverse displacement satisfies the wave equation and vanishes at both edges:
The sine gives no displacement. separation of variables gives
For a propagating branch with ,
Their product is . The phase velocity can exceed the material wave speed; energy transport follows the group velocity.
Here the cutoff sequence is . At only propagates, with for travel toward positive .

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