Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2015 iii Paper 76 2 b Solution Created 2026-10-03 Updated 2026-10-06
For with the observation distance much larger than the scatterer, expand . The far-field pattern in the Born approximation for scalar wave scattering is consequentlyThis convention includes the factor in ; moving that factor into the outgoing-wave definition would change the pattern's normalization.
The absolute energy flux depends on what physical amplitude represents. For acoustic pressure in a homogeneous fluid of mass density and wave speed , the momentum equation gives the particle-velocity amplitude . The time average of harmonic power and acoustic intensity then giveThe radial derivative of the outgoing factor is . Its imaginary current is therefore to leading order. The incident unit-amplitude plane wave has imaginary current . Hence, with ,The scattered energy flux points along at leading order, and the incident energy flux along . If is a velocity-potential amplitude instead, both leading expressions use the common prefactor in place of . A normalized scalar current uses as the common prefactor. The paper does not specify this amplitude normalization; the ratio in part (c) is independent of that choice.
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2023 ii Paper 1 40C b ii Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-25
At , put . The velocity and pressure amplitudes areHence the mean outward work rate per unit area isMultiplication by the area yieldsThis is the mean acoustic power of a pulsating sphere.
Past exam of the physics A course of the University of Cambridge 2013 Paper 2 Section B B6 Solution 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 .