Lecture 10: Wave Function and Wave Equation

Wave Function

• Derivation is done in class y(x,t) = cos( k x - ω t)
• Wave number k = 2 π / λ (for 2D and 3D waves, wave number is the magnitude of wave vector )
• Wave function is the same for transverse and longitudinal mechanical waves. Just y has different meaning (displacement perpendicular to x or along x)
• In general, y can be temperature, pressure ... etc

Wave equation (derivation)

x fixed	t fixed