Phase Difference and Distance in Wave – Rankers Physics

Waves and its Characteristics: Practice Problem & Solution

Equation of a progressive wave is given by \( y = 0.2 \cos \pi(0.04t + 0.02x - \pi/6) \). The distance is expressed in cm and time in second. What will be the minimum distance between two particles having the phase difference of \( \pi/2 \)?
4 cm
8 cm
25 cm
12.5 cm

Short Solution (Best for NEET):

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Waves and its Characteristics. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

The wave number is \(k = 0.02\pi\text{ cm}^{-1}\). Since phase difference \(\Delta \phi = k \Delta x\), we have \(\Delta x = \frac{\Delta \phi}{k} = \frac{\pi/2}{0.02\pi} = 25\text{ cm}\).

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