Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-physics-a-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2014/paper-2/section-b/b7/solution
Past exam of the physics A course of the University of Cambridge 2014 Paper 2 Section B B7 Solution by
Codex 0 2026-10-20
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 givesFor a propagating branch with ,Their product is . The phase velocity can exceed the material wave speed; energy transport follows the group velocity.
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