The phase difference between two waves, represented byy₁ = 10⁻⁶≤ft100t + x50 + 0.5 my₂ = 10⁻⁶≤ft100t + x50 mWhere…

51 2004 AIPMT WavesPhase of a Wave Medium
The phase difference between two waves, represented by
$y_1 = 10^{-6}\sin\left\{100t + \dfrac{x}{50} + 0.5\right\}$ m
$y_2 = 10^{-6}\cos\left\{100t + \dfrac{x}{50}\right\}$ m
Where x is expressed in metres and t is expressed in seconds, is approximately : -
A 2.07 radians
B 0.5 radians
C 1.5 radians
D 1.07 radians

Detailed Solution

To compare phases, write both waves as sine functions.
$y_1 = 10^{-6}\sin\left\{100t + \dfrac{x}{50} + 0.5\right\}$
$y_2 = 10^{-6}\cos\left\{100t + \dfrac{x}{50}\right\} = 10^{-6}\sin\left\{\dfrac{\pi}{2} + 100t + \dfrac{x}{50}\right\}$ (since $\cos\theta = \sin(\theta + \frac{\pi}{2})$)
Phase of $y_1$ $= 100t + \dfrac{x}{50} + 0.5$; phase of $y_2$ $= 100t + \dfrac{x}{50} + \dfrac{\pi}{2}$
Phase difference between $y_1$ and $y_2$ $= \dfrac{\pi}{2} - 0.5$
$= 1.57 - 0.5 \approx 1.07$ radians
So the phase difference is approximately 1.07 radians.

Waves in past papers

59 questions from this chapter have appeared across 25 exam years.

Keep going

Practise Waves All 59 questions This chapter in 2004 AIPMT