1.4 DIMENSIONS OF PHYSICAL QUANTITIES formula of the given physical quantity. For example, the dimensional formula of the volume The nature of a physical quantity is described is [M° L3 T°], and that of speed or velocity is by its dimensions. All the physical quantities [M° L T-1]. Similarly, [M° L T–2] is the dimensional represented by derived units can be expressed formula of acceleration and [M L–3 T°] that of in terms of some combination of seven mass density. fundamental or base quantities. We shall call An equation obtained by equating a physical these base quantities as the seven dimensions quantity with its dimensional formula is called of the physical world, which are denoted with the dimensional equation of the physical square brackets [ ]. Thus, length has the quantity. Thus, the dimensional equations are dimension [L], mass [M], time [T], electric current the equations, which represent the dimensions [A], thermodynamic temperature [K], luminous of a physical quantity in terms of the base intensity [cd], and amount of substance [mol]. quantities. For example, the dimensional The dimensions of a physical quantity are the equations of volume [V], speed [v], force [F ] and powers (or exponents) to which the base mass density [ρ] may be expressed as quantities are raised to represent that [V] = [M0 L3 T0] quantity. Note that using the square brackets [v] = [M0 L T–1] [ ] round a quantity means that we are dealing [F] = [M L T–2] with ‘the dimensions of’ the quantity. [ρ] = [M L–3 T0] In mechanics, all the physical quantities can be written in terms of the dimensions [L], [M] The dimensional equation can be obtained and [T]. For example, the volume occupied by from the equation representing the relations between the physical quantities. Thean object is expressed as the product of length, dimensional formulae of a large number andbreadth and height, or three lengths. Hence the wide variety of physical quantities, derived fromdimensions of volume are [L] × [L] × [L] = [L]3 = [L3]. the equations representing the relationships As the volume is independent of mass and time, among other physical quantities and expressed it is said to possess zero dimension in mass [M°], in terms of base quantities are given in zero dimension in time [T°] and three Appendix 9 for your guidance and ready dimensions in length. reference. Similarly, force, as the product of mass and acceleration, can be expressed as 1.6 DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS AND ITS Force = mass × acceleration APPLICATIONS = mass × (length)/(time)2 The recognition of concepts of dimensions, which The dimensions of force are [M] [L]/[T]2 = guide the description of physical behaviour is [M L T–2]. Thus, the force has one dimension in of basic importance as only those physical Reprint 2025-26 8 PHYSICS quantities can be added or subtracted which such as angle as the ratio (length/length), have the same dimensions. A thorough refractive index as the ratio (speed of light in understanding of dimensional analysis helps us vacuum/speed of light in medium) etc., has no in deducing certain relations among different dimensions. physical quantities and checking the derivation, Now we can test the dimensional consistency accuracy and dimensional consistency or or homogeneity of the equation homogeneity of various mathematical 2expressions. When magnitudes of two or more x = x 0 + v 0 t + (1/2 ) a t physical quantities are multiplied, their units for the distance x travelled by a particle or body should be treated in the same manner as in time t which starts from the position x0 with ordinary algebraic symbols. We can cancel an initial velocity v0 at time t = 0 and has uniformidentical units in the numerator and acceleration a along the direction of motion. denominator. The same is true for dimensions The dimensions of each term may be written as of a physical quantity. Similarly, physical [x] = [L] quantities represented by symbols on both sides of a mathematical equation must have the same [x0 ] = [L] dimensions. [v0 t] = [L T–1] [T] = [L] [(1/2) a t2] = [L T–2] [T2]1.6.1 Checking the Dimensional Consistency of Equations = [L] As each term on the right hand side of this The magnitudes of physical quantities may be equation has the same dimension, namely that added together or subtracted from one another of length, which is same as the dimension of only if they have the same dimensions. In other left hand side of the equation, hence this words, we can add or subtract similar physical equation is a dimensionally correct equation. quantities. Thus, velocity cannot be added to It may be noted that a test of consistency of force, or an electric current cannot be subtracted dimensions tells us no more and no less than a from the thermodynamic temperature. This test of consistency of units, but has the simple principle called the principle of advantage that we need not commit ourselves homogeneity of dimensions in an equation is to a particular choice of units, and we need not extremely useful in checking the correctness of worry about conversions among multiples and an equation. If the dimensions of all the terms sub-multiples of the units. It may be borne in are not same, the equation is wrong. Hence, if mind that if an equation fails this consistency we derive an expression for the length (or test, it is proved wrong, but if it passes, it is distance) of an object, regardless of the symbols not proved right. Thus, a dimensionally correct appearing in the original mathematical relation, equation need not be actually an exact when all the individual dimensions are (correct) equation, but a dimensionally wrong simplified, the remaining dimension must be (incorrect) or inconsistent equation must be that of length. Similarly, if we derive an equation wrong. of speed, the dimensions on both the sides of ⊳equation, when simplified, must be of length/ Example 1.3 Let us consider an equation time, or [L T–1]. Dimensions are customarily used as a 1 2 m v = m g h preliminary test of the consistency of an 2 equation, when there is some doubt about the where m is the mass of the body, v its correctness of the equation. However, the velocity, g is the acceleration due to dimensional consistency does not guarantee gravity and h is the height. Check correct equations. It is uof dimensionless quantities or functions. The correct. arguments of special functions, such as the trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential Answer The dimensions of LHS are functions must be dimensionless. A pure [M] [L T–1 ]2 = [M] [ L2 T–2] number, ratio of similar physical quantities, = [M L2 T–2] Reprint 2025-26 UNITS AND MEASUREMENT 9 The dimensions of RHS are string, that oscillates under the action of [M][L T–2] [L] = [M][L2 T–2] the force of gravity. Suppose that the period = [M L2 T–2] of oscillation of the simple pendulum depends on its length (l), mass of the bobThe dimensions of LHS and RHS are the same and hence the equation is dimensionally correct. ⊳ (m) and acceleration due to gravity (g). Derive the expression for its time period ⊳ using method of dimensions. Example 1.4 The SI unit of energy is J = kg m2 s–2; that of speed v is m s–1 and Answer The dependence of time period T on of acceleration a is m s–2. Which of the the quantities l, g and m as a product may be formulae for kinetic energy (K) given below written as : can you rule out on the basis of T = k lx gy mz dimensional arguments (m stands for the mass of the body) : where k is dimensionless constant and x, y (a) K = m2 v3 and z are the exponents. (b) K = (1/2)mv2 By considering dimensions on both sides, we (c) K = ma have (d) K = (3/16)mv2 o o 1 1 x 1 –2 y 1 z [L M T ]=[L ] [L T ] [M ] (e) K = (1/2)mv2 + ma = Lx+y T–2y Mz Answer Every correct formula or equation must On equating the dimensions on both sides, have the same dimensions on both sides of the we have equation. Also, only quantities with the same x + y = 0; –2y = 1; and z = 0 physical dimensions can be added or 1 1 subtracted. The dimensions of the quantity on So that x = , y = – , z = 0 2 2the right side are [M2 L3 T–3] for (a); [M L2 T–2] for (b) and (d); [M L T–2] for (c). The quantity on the Then, T = k l½ g–½ right side of (e) has no proper dimensions since two quantities of different dimensions have been l or, T = kadded. Since the kinetic energy K has the g dimensions of [M L2 T–2], formulas (a), (c) and (e) Note that value of constant k can not be obtainedare ruled out. Note that dimensional arguments by the method of dimensions. Here it does notcannot tell which of the two, (b) or (d), is the matter if some number multiplies the right sidecorrect formula. For this, one must turn to the of this formula, because that does not affect itsactual definition of kinetic energy (see dimensions.Chapter 5). The correct formula for kinetic energy is given by (b). ⊳ l Actually, k = 2π so that T = 2π ⊳ 1.6.2 Deducing Relation among the g Physical Quantities The method of dimensions can sometimes be Dimensional analysis is very useful in deducing used to deduce relation among the physical relations among the interdependent physical quantities. For this we should know the quantities. However, dimensionless constants dependence of the physical quantity on other cannot be obtained by this method. The method quantities (upto three physical quantities or of dimensions can only test the dimensional linearly independent variables) and consider it validity, but not the exact relationship between as a product type of the dependence. Let us take physical quantities in any equation. It does not an example. distinguish between the physical quantities having same dimensions.⊳ Example 1.5 Consider a simple A number of exercises at the end of this pendulum, having a bob attached to a chapter will help you develop skill in dimensional analysis. Reprint 2025-26 10 PHYSICS SUMMARY 1. Physics is a quantitative science, based on measurement of physical quantities. Certain physical quantities have been chosen as fundamental or base quantities (such as length, mass, time, electric current, thermodynamic temperature, amount of substance, and luminous intensity). 2. Each base quantity is defined in terms of a certain basic, arbitrarily chosen but properly standardised reference standard called unit (such as metre, kilogram, second, ampere, kelvin, mole and candela). The units for the fundamental or base quantities are called fundamental or base units. 3. Other physical quantities, derived from the base quantities, can be expressed as a combination of the base units and are called derived units. A complete set of units, both fundamental and derived, is called a system of units. 4. The International System of Units (SI) based on seven base units is at present internationally accepted unit system and is widely used throughout the world. 5. The SI units are used in all physical measurements, for both the base quantities and the derived quantities obtained from them. Certain derived units are expressed by means of SI units with special names (such as joule, newton, watt, etc). 6. The SI units have well defined and internationally accepted unit symbols (such as m for metre, kg for kilogram, s for second, A for ampere, N for newton etc.). 7. Physical measurements are usually expressed for small and large quantities in scientific notation, with powers of 10. Scientific notation and the prefixes are used to simplify measurement notation and numerical computation, giving indication to the precision of the numbers. 8. Certain general rules and guidelines must be followed for using notations for physical quantities and standard symbols for SI units, some other units and SI prefixes for expressing properly the physical quantities and measurements. 9. In computing any physical quantity, the units for derived quantities involved in the relationship(s) are treated as though they were algebraic quantities till the desired units are obtained. 10. In measured and computed quantities proper significant figures only should be retained. Rules for determining the number of significant figures, carrying out arithmetic operations with them, and ‘rounding off ‘ the u 11. The dimensions of base quantities and combination of these dimensions describe the nature of physical quantities. Dimensional analysis can be used to check the dimensional consistency of equations, deducing relations among the physical quantities, etc. A dimensionally consistent equation need not be actually an exact (correct) equation, but a dimensionally wrong or inconsistent equation must be wrong. EXERCISES Note : In stating numerical answers, take care of significant figures. 1.1 Fill in the blanks (a) The volume of a cube of side 1 cm is equal to .....m3 (b) The surface area of a solid cylinder of radius 2.0 cm and height 10.0 cm is equal to ...(mm)2 (c) A vehicle moving with a speed of 18 km h–1 covers....m in 1 s (d) The relative density of lead is 11.3. Its density is ....g cm–3 or ....kg m–3. 1.2 Fill in the blanks by suitable conversion of units (a) 1 kg m2 s–2 = ....g cm2 s–2 (b) 1 m = ..... ly (c) 3.0 m s–2 = .... km h–2 (d) G = 6.67 × 10–11 N m2 (kg)–2 = .... (cm)3 s–2 g–1. Reprint 2025-26 UNITS AND MEASUREMENT 11 1.3 A calorie is a unit of heat (energy in transit) and it equals about 4.2 J where 1J = 1 kg m2 s–2. Suppose we employ a system of units in which the unit of mass equals α kg, the unit of length equals β m, the unit of time is γ s. Show that a calorie has a magnitude 4.2 α–1 β–2 γ 2 in terms of the new units. 1.4 Explain this statement clearly : “To call a dimensional quantity ‘large’ or ‘small’ is meaningless without specifying a standard for comparison”. In view of this, reframe the following statements wherever necessary : (a) atoms are very small objects (b) a jet plane moves with great speed (c) the mass of Jupiter is very large (d) the air inside this room contains a large number of molecules (e) a proton is much more massive than an electron (f) the speed of sound is much smaller than the speed of light. 1.5 A new unit of length is chosen such that the speed of light in vacuum is unity. What is the distance between the Sun and the Earth in terms of the new unit if light takes 8 min and 20 s to cover this distance ? 1.6 Which of the following is the most precise device for measuring length : (a) a vernier callipers with 20 divisions on the sliding scale (b) a screw gauge of pitch 1 mm and 100 divisions on the circular scale (c) an optical instrument that can measure length to within a wavelength of light ? 1.7 A student measures the thickness of a human hair by looking at it through a microscope of magnification 100. He makes 20 observations and finds that the average width of the hair in the field of view of the microscope is 3.5 mm. What is the estimate on the thickness of hair ? 1.8 Answer the following : (a)You are given a thread and a metre scale. How will you estimate the diameter of the thread ? (b)A screw gauge has a pitch of 1.0 mm and 200 divisions on the circular scale. Do you think it is possible to increase the accuracy of the screw gauge arbitrarily by increasing the number of divisions on the circular scale ? (c) The mean diameter of a thin brass rod is to be measured by vernier callipers. Why is a set of 100 measurements of the diameter expected to yield a more reliable estimate than a set of 5 measurements only ? 1.9 The photograph of a house occupies an area of 1.75 cm2 on a 35 mm slide. The slide is projected on to a screen, and the area of the house on the screen is 1.55 m2. What is the linear magnification of the projector-screen arrangement. 1.10 State the number of significant figures in the following : (a) 0.007 m2 (b) 2.64 × 1024 kg (c) 0.2370 g cm–3 (d) 6.320 J (e) 6.032 N m–2 (f) 0.0006032 m2 1.11 The length, breadth and thickness of a rectangular sheet of metal are 4.234 m, 1.005 m, and 2.01 cm respectively. Give the area and volume of the sheet to correct significant figures. 1.12 The mass of a box measured by a grocer’s balance is 2.30 kg. Two gold pieces of masses 20.15 g and 20.17 g are added to the box. What is (a) the total mass of the box, (b) the difference in the masses of the pieces to correct significant figures ? 1.13 A famous relation in physics relates ‘moving mass’ m to the ‘rest mass’ mo of a particle in terms of its speed v and the speed of light, c. (This relation first arose as a consequence of special relativity due to Albert Einstein). A boy recalls the relation almost correctly but forgets where to put the constant c. He writes : m 0 m = 2 1/2 . 1 − v ( ) Guess where to put the missing c. Reprint 2025-26 12 PHYSICS 1.14 The unit of length convenient on the atomic scale is known as an angstrom and is denoted by Å: 1 Å = 10–10 m. The size of a hydrogen atom is about 0.5 Å. What is the total atomic volume in m3 of a mole of hydrogen atoms ? 1.15 One mole of an ideal gas at standard temperature and pressure occupies 22.4 L (molar volume). What is the ratio of molar volume to the atomic volume of a mole of hydrogen ? (Take the size of hydrogen molecule to be about 1 Å). Why is this ratio so large ? 1.16 Explain this common observation clearly : If you look out of the window of a fast moving train, the nearby trees, houses etc. seem to move rapidly in a direction opposite to the train’s motion, but the distant objects (hill tops, the Moon, the stars etc.) seem to be stationary. (In fact, since you are aware that you are moving, these distant objects seem to move with you). 1.17 The Sun is a hot plasma (ionized matter) with its inner core at a temperature exceeding 107 K, and its outer surface at a temperature of about 6000 K. At these high temperatures, no substance remains in a solid or liquid phase. In what range do you expect the mass density of the Sun to be, in the range of densities of solids and liquids or gases ? Check if your guess is correct from the following data : mass of the Sun = 2.0 ×1030 kg, radius of the Sun = 7.0 × 108 m. Reprint 2025-26 CHAPTER TWO MOTION IN A STRAIGHT LINE 2.1 INTRODUCTION Motion is common to everything in the universe. We walk, run and ride a bicycle. Even when we are sleeping, air moves 2.1 Introduction into and out of our lungs and blood flows in arteries and 2.2 Instantaneous velocity and veins. We see leaves falling from trees and water flowing speed down a dam. Automobiles and planes carry people from one 2.3 Acceleration place to the other. The earth rotates once every twenty-four 2.4 Kinematic equations for hours and revolves round the sun once in a year. The sun uniformly accelerated motion itself is in motion in the Milky Way, which is again moving

14.6 Reflection of waves some cork pieces on the disturbed surface, it is seen that

14.5 THE PRINCIPLE OF SUPERPOSITION the medium. If the waves arrive in a region OF WAVES simultaneously, and therefore, overlap, the net displacement y (x,t) is given by What happens when two wave pulses travelling in opposite directions cross each other y (x, t) = y1(x, t) + y2(x, t) (14.25) (Fig. 14.9)? It turns out that wave pulses If we have two or more waves moving in the continue to retain their identities after they have medium the resultant waveform is the sum of crossed. However, during the time they overlap, wave functions of individual waves. That is, if the wave pattern is different from either of the the wave functions of the moving waves are Reprint 2025-26 288 PHYSICS y1 = f1(x–vt), y2 = f2(x–vt), .......... .......... yn = fn (x–vt) then the wave function describing the disturbance in the medium is y = f1(x – vt)+ f2(x – vt)+ ...+ fn(x – vt) n = ∑ f ( x − vt ) (14.26) i i =1 The principle of superposition is basic to the phenomenon of interference. For simplicity, consider two harmonic travelling waves on a stretched string, both with the same ω (angular frequency) and k (wave number), and, therefore, the same wavelength Fig. 14.10 The resultant of two harmonic waves of λ. Their wave speed will be identical. Let us equal amplitude and wavelength further assume that their amplitudes are equal according to the principle of superposition. and they are both travelling in the positive The amplitude of the resultant wave depends on the phase difference φ, whichdirection of x-axis. The waves only differ in their is zero for (a) and π for (b)initial phase. According to Eq. (14.2), the two waves are described by the functions: φ between the constituent two waves: y1(x, t) = a sin (kx – ωt) (14.27) A(φ) = 2a cos ½φ (14.32) For φ = 0, when the waves are in phase, and y2(x, t) = a sin (kx – ωt + φ ) (14.28) y ( x , t ) = 2a sin ( kx − ωt ) (14.33) The net displacement is then, by the principle i.e., the resultant wave has amplitude 2a, theof superposition, given by largest possible value for A. For φ = π , the y (x, t) = a sin (kx – ωt) + a sin (kx – ωt + φ) waves are completely, out of phase and the (14.29) resultant wave has zero displacement   ( kx − ωt ) + ( kx − ωt + φ)  φ everywhere at all times = a  2sin   cos  y (x, t) = 0 (14.34)   2  2  Eq. (14.33) refers to the so-called constructive (14.30) interference of the two waves where the where we have used the familiar trignometric amplitudes add up in the resultant wave. Eq. identity for sin A + sin B . We then have (14.34) is the case of destructive intereference where the amplitudes subtract out in the φ  φ resultant wave. Fig. 14.10 shows these two cases y ( x , t ) = 2 a cos sin  kx − ωt +  (14.31) 2  2  of interference of waves arising from the principle of superposition.Eq. (14.31) is also a harmonic travelling wave in the positive direction of x-axis, with the same 14.6 REFLECTION OF WAVES frequency and wavelength. However, its initial So far we considered waves propagating in an φ unbounded medium. What happens if a pulse phase angle is . The significant thing is that 2 or a wave meets a boundary? If the boundary is its amplitude is a function of the phase difference rigid, the pulse or wave gets reflected. The Reprint 2025-26 WAVES 289 phenomenon of echo is an example of reflection If on the other hand, the boundary point is by a rigid boundary. If the boundary is not not rigid but completely free to move (such as in completely rigid or is an interface between two the case of a string tied to a freely moving ring different elastic media, the situation is some on a rod), the reflected pulse has the same phase what complicated. A part of the incident wave is and amplitude (assuming no energy dissipation) reflected and a part is transmitted into the as the incident pulse. The net maximum second medium. If a wave is incident obliquely displacement at the boundary is then twice the on the boundary between two different media amplitude of each pulse. An example of non- rigid the transmitted wave is called the refracted boundary is the open end of an organ pipe. wave. The incident and refracted waves obey To summarise, a travelling wave or pulse Snell’s law of refraction, and the incident and suffers a phase change of π on reflection at a reflected waves obey the usual laws of rigid boundary and no phase change on reflection. reflection at an open boundary. To put this Fig. 14.11 shows a pulse travelling along a mathematically, let the incident travelling stretched string and being reflected by the wave be boundary. Assuming there is no absorption of y 2 ( x , t ) = a sin ( kx − ωt )energy by the boundary, the reflected wave has the same shape as the incident pulse but it At a rigid boundary, the reflected wave is given suffers a phase change of π or 1800 on reflection. by This is because the boundary is rigid and the yr(x, t) = a sin (kx – ωt + π). disturbance must have zero displacement at all = – a sin (kx – ωt) (14.35) times at the boundary. By the principle of At an open boundary, the reflected wave is given superposition, this is possible only if the reflected by and incident waves differ by a phase of π, so that yr(x, t) = a sin (kx – ωt + 0). the resultant displacement is zero. This = a sin (kx – ωt) (14.36) reasoning is based on boundary condition on a Clearly, at the rigid boundary, y = y 2 + y r = 0rigid wall. We can arrive at the same conclusion dynamically also. As the pulse arrives at the wall, at all times. it exerts a force on the wall. By Newton’s Third 14.6.1 Standing Waves and Normal Modes Law, the wall exerts an equal and opposite force We considered above reflection at one boundary. on the string generating a reflected pulse that But there are familiar situations (a string fixed differs by a phase of π. at either end or an air column in a pipe with either end closed) in which reflection takes place at two or more boundaries. In a string, for example, a wave travelling in one direction will get reflected at one end, which in turn will travel and get reflected from the other end. This will go on until there is a steady wave pattern set up on the string. Such wave patterns are called standing waves or stationary waves. To see this mathematically, consider a wave travelling along the positive direction of x-axis and a reflected wave of the same amplitude and wavelength in the negative direction of x-axis. From Eqs. (14.2) and (14.4), with φ = 0, we get: y1(x, t) = a sin (kx – ωt) y2(x, t) = a sin (kx + ωt) The resultant wave on the string is, according to the principle of superposition: Fig. 14.11 Reflection of a pulse meeting a rigid boundary. y (x, t) = y1(x, t) + y2(x, t) Reprint 2025-26 290 PHYSICS = a [sin (kx – ωt) + sin (kx + ωt)] nodes; the points at which the amplitude is the largest are called antinodes. Fig. 14.12 showsUsing the familiar trignometric identity a stationary wave pattern resulting fromSin (A+B) + Sin (A–B) = 2 sin A cosB we get, superposition of two travelling waves in y (x, t) = 2a sin kx cos ωt (14.37) opposite directions. Note the important difference in the wave The most significant feature of stationary pattern described by Eq. (14.37) from that waves is that the boundary conditions constrain described by Eq. (14.2) or Eq. (14.4). The terms the possible wavelengths or frequencies of kx and ωt appear separately, not in the vibration of the system. The system cannot combination kx - ωt. The amplitude of this wave oscillate with any arbitrary frequency (contrast is 2a sin kx. Thus, in this wave pattern, the this with a harmonic travelling wave), but is amplitude varies from point-to-point, but each characterised by a set of natural frequencies or element of the string oscillates with the same normal modes of oscillation. Let us determine angular frequency ω or time period. There is no these normal modes for a stretched string fixed phase difference between oscillations of different at both ends. elements of the wave. The string as a whole First, from Eq. (14.37), the positions of nodes vibrates in phase with differing amplitudes at (where the amplitude is zero) are given by different points. The wave pattern is neither sin kx = 0 . moving to the right nor to the left. Hence, they which implies are called standing or stationary waves. The kx = nπ; n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ... amplitude is fixed at a given location but, as Since, k = 2π/λ , we get remarked earlier, it is different at different locations. The points at which the amplitude is nλ zero (i.e., where there is no motion at all) are x = ; n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ... (14.38) 2 Fig. 14.12 Stationary waves arising from superposition of two harmonic waves travelling in opposite directions. Note that the positions of zero displacement (nodes) remain fixed at all times. Reprint 2025-26 WAVES 291 Clearly, the distance between any two speed of wave determined by the properties of λ the medium. The n = 2 frequency is called the successive nodes is . In the same way, the second harmonic; n = 3 is the third harmonic 2 and so on. We can label the various harmonics bypositions of antinodes (where the amplitude is the symbol νn ( n = 1, 2, ...).the largest) are given by the largest value of sin Fig. 14.13 shows the first six harmonics of akx : sin k x = 1 stretched string fixed at either end. A string need not vibrate in one of these modes only.which implies Generally, the vibration of a string will be a kx = (n + ½) π ; n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ... superposition of different modes; some modes With k = 2π/λ, we get may be more strongly excited and some less. Musical instruments like sitar or violin are λ based on this principle. Where the string is x = (n + ½) ; n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ... (14.39) 2 plucked or bowed, determines which modes are Again the distance between any two consecutive more prominent than others. Let us next consider normal modes of λ antinodes is . Eq. (14.38) can be applied to oscillation of an air column with one end closed 2 the case of a stretched string of length L fixed at both ends. Taking one end to be at x = 0, the boundary conditions are that x = 0 and x = L are positions of nodes. The x = 0 condition is already satisfied. The x = L node condition requires that the length L is related to λ by λ L = n ; n = 1, 2, 3, ... (14.40) 2 Thus, the possible wavelengths of stationary waves are constrained by the relation 2L λ = ; n = 1, 2, 3, … (14.41) n with corresponding frequencies nv v = , for n = 1, 2, 3, (14.42) 2L We have thus obtained the natural frequencies - the normal modes of oscillation of the system. The lowest possible natural frequency of a system is called its fundamental mode or the first harmonic. For the stretched string fixed at either end v it is given by v = , corresponding 2 L Fig. 14.13 The first six harmonics of vibrations of a stretched to n = 1 of Eq. (14.42). Here v is the string fixed at both ends. Reprint 2025-26 292 PHYSICS and the other open. A glass tube partially filled modes of this system is more complex. This with water illustrates this system. The end in problem involves wave propagation in two contact with water is a node, while the open end dimensions. However, the underlying physics is is an antinode. At the node the pressure the same. changes are the largest, while the displacement is minimum (zero). At the open end - the u Example 14.5 A pipe, 30.0 cm long, is open antinode, it is just the other way - least pressure at both ends. Which harmonic mode of the change and maximum amplitude of pipe resonates a 1.1 kHz source? Will displacement. Taking the end in contact with resonance with the same source be water to be x = 0, the node condition (Eq. 14.38) observed if one end of the pipe is closed ? is already satisfied. If the other end x = L is an Take the speed of sound in air as antinode, Eq. (14.39) gives 330 m s–1.  1  λ n +L = , for n = 0, 1, 2, 3, …  2  2 Answer The first harmonic frequency is given by The possible wavelengths are then restricted by v v the relation : ν1 = λ1 = 2 L (open pipe) where L is the length of the pipe. The frequency 2 L λ = , for n = 0, 1, 2, 3,... (14.43) of its nth harmonic is: ( n + 1 / 2 ) nv νn = 2L , for n = 1, 2, 3, ... (open pipe) The normal modes – the natural frequencies – of the system are First few modes of an open pipe are shown in Fig. 14.15.  1  v For L = 30.0 cm, v = 330 m s–1, ; n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ... (14.44) ν =  n + 2  2 L n 330 (m s − 1 ) νn = = 550 n s–1 The fundamental frequency corresponds to n = 0, 0.6 (m) v Clearly, a source of frequency 1.1 kHz will and is given by . The higher frequencies resonate at v2, i.e. the second harmonic. 4 L are odd harmonics, i.e., odd multiples of the v v fundamental frequency : 3 , 5 , etc. 4 L 4 L Fig. 14.14 shows the first six odd harmonics of air column with one end closed and the other open. For a pipe open at both ends, each end is an antinode. It is then easily seen that an open air column at both ends generates all harmonics (See Fig. 14.15). The systems above, strings and air columns, can also undergo forced oscillations (Chapter 13). If the external frequency is close to one of the natural frequencies, the system shows resonance. Normal modes of a circular membrane rigidly clamped to the circumference as in a tabla are determined by the boundary condition that no Fundamental point on the circumference of the membrane or third fifth vibrates. Estimation of the frequencies of normal first harmonic harmonic harmonic Reprint 2025-26 WAVES 293 Fig. 14.15 Standing waves in an open pipe, first four harmonics are depicted. while tuning their instruments with each other. They go on tuning until their sensitive ears do seventh ninth eleventh not detect any beats. harmonic harmonic harmonic To see this mathematically, let us consider two harmonic sound waves of nearly equal Fig. 14.14 Normal modes of an air column open at angular frequency ω1 and ω2 and fix the location one end and closed at the other end. Only to be x = 0 for convenience. Eq. (14.2) with a the odd harmonics are seen to be possible. suitable choice of phase (φ = π/2 for each) and, assuming equal amplitudes, gives Now if one end of the pipe is closed (Fig. 14.15), it follows from Eq. (14.15) that the fundamental s1 = a cos ω1t and s2 = a cos ω2t (14.45) frequency is Here we have replaced the symbol y by s, v v since we are referring to longitudinal not transverse displacement. Let ω1 be the (slightly) ν1 = λ1 = 4 L (pipe closed at one end) greater of the two frequencies. The resultant and only the odd numbered harmonics are displacement is, by the principle of present : superposition, s = s1 + s2 = a (cos ω1 t + cos ω2 t) 3v 5v ν3 = , ν5 = , and so on. Using the familiar trignometric identity for 4 L 4 L cos A + cosB, we get For L = 30 cm and v = 330 m s–1, the (ω1 - ω2 ) t (ω1 + ω2 ) t fundamental frequency of the pipe closed at one = 2 a cos cos (14.46) end is 275 Hz and the source frequency 2 2 corresponds to its fourth harmonic. Since this which may be written as : harmonic is not a possible mode, no resonance s = [2 a cos ωb t ] cos ωat (14.47) will be observed with the source, the moment If |ω1 – ω2| <<ω1, ω2, ωa >> ωb, th one end is closed. ⊳ where 14.7 BEATS (ω1 − ω2 ) (ω1 + ω2 ) ωb = and ωa = ‘Beats’ is an interesting phenomenon arising 2 2 from interference of waves. When two harmonic Now if we assume |ω1 – ω2| <<ω1, which means sound waves of close (but not equal) frequencies ωa >> ωb, we can interpret Eq. (14.47) as follows. are heard at the same time, we hear a sound of The resultant wave is oscillating with the average similar frequency (the average of two close angular frequency ωa; however its amplitude is frequencies), but we hear something else also. not constant in time, unlike a pure harmonic We hear audibly distinct waxing and waning of wave. The amplitude is the largest when the the intensity of the sound, with a frequency term cos ωb t takes its limit +1 or –1. In other equal to the difference in the two close words, the intensity of the resultant wave waxes frequencies. Artists use this phenomenon often and wanes with a frequency which is 2ωb = ω1 – Reprint 2025-26 294 PHYSICS ω2. Since ω = 2πν, the beat frequency νbeat, is given by νbeat = ν1 – ν2 (14.48) Fig. 14.16 illustrates the phenomenon of beats for two harmonic waves of frequencies 11 Hz and 9 Hz. The amplitude of the resultant wave shows beats at a frequency of 2 Hz. Musical Pillars Temples often have some pillars portraying human figures playing musical instru- ments, but seldom do these pillars themselves produce music. At the Nellaiappar temple in Tamil Nadu, gentle taps on a cluster of pillars carved out of a single piece of rock produce the basic notes of Indian classical music, viz. Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni, Sa. Vibrations of these pillars depend on elasticity of the stone used, Fig. 14.16 Superposition of two harmonic waves, one its density and shape. of frequency 11 Hz (a), and the other of Musical pillars are categorised into three frequency 9Hz (b), giving rise to beats of frequency 2 Hz, as shown in (c). types: The first is called the Shruti Pillar, as it can produce the basic notes — the “swaras”. The second type is the Gana u Example 14.6 Two sitar strings A and B Thoongal, which generates the basic tunes playing the note ‘Dha’ are slightly out of that make up the “ragas”. The third variety tune and produce beats of frequency 5 Hz. is the Laya Thoongal pillars that produce The tension of the string B is slightly “taal” (beats) when tapped. The pillars at the increased and the beat frequency is found Nellaiappar temple are a combination of the to decrease to 3 Hz. What is the original Shruti and Laya types. frequency of B if the frequency of A is Archaeologists date the Nelliappar 427 Hz ? temple to the 7th century and claim it was built by successive rulers of the Pandyan Answer Increase in the tension of a string dynasty. increases its frequency. If the original frequency The musical pillars of Nelliappar and of B (νB) were greater than that of A (νA ), further several other temples in southern India like increase in νB should have resulted in an those at Hampi (picture), Kanyakumari, and increase in the beat frequency. But the beat Thiruvananthapuram are unique to the frequency is found to decrease. This shows that country and have no parallel in any other νB < νA. Since νA – νB = 5 Hz, and νA = 427 Hz, we part of the world. get νB = 422 Hz. ⊳ Reprint 2025-26 WAVES 295 SUMMARY 1. Mechanical waves can exist in material media and are governed by Newton’s Laws. 2. Transverse waves are waves in which the particles of the medium oscillate perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. 3. Longitudinal waves are waves in which the particles of the medium oscillate along the direction of wave propagation. 4. Progressive wave is a wave that moves from one point of medium to another. 5. The displacement in a sinusoidal wave propagating in the positive x direction is given by y (x, t) = a sin (kx – ωt + φ) where a is the amplitude of the wave, k is the angular wave number, ω is the angular frequency, (kx – ωt + φ) is the phase, and φ is the phase constant or phase angle. 6. Wavelength λ of a progressive wave is the distance between two consecutive points of the same phase at a given time. In a stationary wave, it is twice the distance between two consecutive nodes or antinodes. 7. Period T of oscillation of a wave is defined as the time any element of the medium takes to move through one complete oscillation. It is related to the angular frequency ω through the relation 2π T = ω 8. Frequency v of a wave is defined as 1/T and is related to angular frequency by ω ν = 2 π ω λ 9. Speed of a progressive wave is given by v = = = λν k T 10. The speed of a transverse wave on a stretched string is set by the properties of the string. The speed on a string with tension T and linear mass density µ is T v = µ 11. Sound waves are longitudinal mechanical waves that can travel through solids, liquids, or gases. The speed v of sound wave in a fluid having bulk modulus B and density ρ is B v = ρ The speed of longitudinal waves in a metallic bar is Y v = ρ For gases, since B = γP, the speed of sound is γP v = ρ Reprint 2025-26 296 PHYSICS 12. When two or more waves traverse simultaneously in the same medium, the displacement of any element of the medium is the algebraic sum of the displacements due to each wave. This is known as the principle of superposition of waves n f i ( x − vt ) y = ∑ i =1 13. Two sinusoidal waves on the same string exhibit interference, adding or cancelling according to the principle of superposition. If the two are travelling in the same direction and have the same amplitude a and frequency but differ in phase by a phase constant φ, the result is a single wave with the same frequency ω :  1   1  y (x, t) =  2a cos 2 φ sin  kx − ωt + 2 φ If φ = 0 or an integral multiple of 2π, the waves are exactly in phase and the interference is constructive; if φ= π, they are exactly out of phase and the interference is destructive. 14. A travelling wave, at a rigid boundary or a closed end, is reflected with a phase reversal but the reflection at an open boundary takes place without any phase change. For an incident wave yi (x, t) = a sin (kx – ωt ) the reflected wave at a rigid boundary is yr (x, t) = – a sin (kx + ωt ) For reflection at an open boundary yr (x,t ) = a sin (kx + ωt) 15. The interference of two identical waves moving in opposite directions produces standing waves. For a string with fixed ends, the standing wave is given by y (x, t) = [2a sin kx ] cos ωt Standing waves are characterised by fixed locations of zero displacement called nodes and fixed locations of maximum displacements called antinodes. The separation between two consecutive nodes or antinodes is λ/2. A stretched string of length L fixed at both the ends vibrates with frequencies given by n v v = , n = 1, 2, 3, ... 2 L The set of frequencies given by the above relation are called the normal modes of oscillation of the system. The oscillation mode with lowest frequency is called the fundamental mode or the first harmonic. The second harmonic is the oscillation mode with n = 2 and so on. A pipe of length L with one end closed and other end open (such as air columns) vibrates with frequencies given by v v = ( n + ½) , n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ... 2L The set of frequencies represented by the above relation are the normal modes of oscillation of such a system. The lowest frequency given by v/4L is the fundamental mode or the first harmonic. 16. A string of length L fixed at both ends or an air column closed at one end and open at the other end or open at both the ends, vibrates with certain frequencies called their normal modes. Each of these frequencies is a resonant frequency of the system. 17. Beats arise when two waves having slightly different frequencies, ν1 and ν2 and comparable amplitudes, are superposed. The beat frequency is νbeat = ν1 ~ ν2 Reprint 2025-26 WAVES 297 POINTS TO PONDER 1. A wave is not motion of matter as a whole in a medium. A wind is different from the sound wave in air. The former involves motion of air from one place to the other. The latter involves compressions and rarefactions of layers of air. 2. In a wave, energy and not the matter is transferred from one point to the other. 3. In a mechanical wave, energy transfer takes place because of the coupling through elastic forces between neighbouring oscillating parts of the medium. 4. Transverse waves can propagate only in medium with shear modulus of elasticity, Longitudinal waves need bulk modulus of elasticity and are therefore, possible in all media, solids, liquids and gases. 5. In a harmonic progressive wave of a given frequency, all particles have the same amplitude but different phases at a given instant of time. In a stationary wave, all particles between two nodes have the same phase at a given instant but have different amplitudes. 6. Relative to an observer at rest in a medium the speed of a mechanical wave in that medium (v) depends only on elastic and other properties (such as mass density) of the medium. It does not depend on the velocity of the source. EXERCISES 14.1 A string of mass 2.50 kg is under a tension of 200 N. The length of the stretched string is 20.0 m. If the transverse jerk is struck at one end of the string, how long does the disturbance take to reach the other end? 14.2 A stone dropped from the top of a tower of height 300 m splashes into the water of a pond near the base of the tower. When is the splash heard at the top given that the speed of sound in air is 340 m s–1 ? (g = 9.8 m s–2) 14.3 A steel wire has a length of 12.0 m and a mass of 2.10 kg. What should be the tension in the wire so that speed of a transverse wave on the wire equals the speed of sound in dry air at 20 °C = 343 m s–1. γP 14.4 Use the formula v = to explain why the speed of sound in air ρ (a) is independent of pressure, (b) increases with temperature, (c) increases with humidity. Reprint 2025-26 298 PHYSICS 14.5 You have learnt that a travelling wave in one dimension is represented by a function y = f (x, t) where x and t must appear in the combination x – v t or x + v t, i.e. y = f (x ± v t). Is the converse true? Examine if the following functions for y can possibly represent a travelling wave : (a) (x – vt )2 (b) log [(x + vt)/x0] (c) 1/(x + vt) 14.6 A bat emits ultrasonic sound of frequency 1000 kHz in air. If the sound meets a water surface, what is the wavelength of (a) the reflected sound, (b) the transmitted sound? Speed of sound in air is 340 m s –1 and in water 1486 m s–1. 14.7 A hospital uses an ultrasonic scanner to locate tumours in a tissue. What is the wavelength of sound in the tissue in which the speed of sound is 1.7 km s–1 ? The operating frequency of the scanner is 4.2 MHz. 14.8 A transverse harmonic wave on a string is described by y(x, t) = 3.0 sin (36 t + 0.018 x + π/4) where x and y are in cm and t in s. The positive direction of x is from left to right. (a) Is this a travelling wave or a stationary wave ? If it is travelling, what are the speed and direction of its propagation ? (b) What are its amplitude and frequency ? (c) What is the initial phase at the origin ? (d) What is the least distance between two successive crests in the wave ? 14.9 For the wave described in Exercise 14.8, plot the displacement (y) versus (t) graphs for x = 0, 2 and 4 cm. What are the shapes of these graphs? In which aspects does the oscillatory motion in travelling wave differ from one point to another: amplitude, frequency or phase ? 14.10 For the travelling harmonic wave y(x, t) = 2.0 cos 2π (10t – 0.0080 x + 0.35) where x and y are in cm and t in s. Calculate the phase difference between oscillatory motion of two points separated by a distance of (a) 4 m, (b) 0.5 m, (c) λ/2, (d) 3λ/4 14.11 The transverse displacement of a string (clamped at its both ends) is given by  2π  y(x, t) = 0.06 sin  3 x  cos (120 πt) where x and y are in m and t in s. The length of the string is 1.5 m and its mass is 3.0 ×10–2 kg. Answer the following : (a) Does the function represent a travelling wave or a stationary wave? (b) Interpret the wave as a superposition of two waves travelling in opposite directions. What is the wavelength, frequency, and speed of each wave ? Reprint 2025-26 WAVES 299 (c) Determine the tension in the string. 14.12 (i) For the wave on a string described in Exercise 15.11, do all the points on the string oscillate with the same (a) frequency, (b) phase, (c) amplitude? Explain your answers. (ii) What is the amplitude of a point 0.375 m away from one end? 14.13 Given below are some functions of x and t to represent the displacement (transverse or longitudinal) of an elastic wave. State which of these represent (i) a travelling wave, (ii) a stationary wave or (iii) none at all: (a) y = 2 cos (3x) sin (10t) (b) y = 2 x − vt (c) y = 3 sin (5x – 0.5t) + 4 cos (5x – 0.5t) (d) y = cos x sin t + cos 2x sin 2t 14.14 A wire stretched between two rigid supports vibrates in its fundamental mode with a frequency of 45 Hz. The mass of the wire is 3.5 × 10–2 kg and its linear mass density is 4.0 × 10–2 kg m–1. What is (a) the speed of a transverse wave on the string, and (b) the tension in the string? 14.15 A metre-long tube open at one end, with a movable piston at the other end, shows resonance with a fixed frequency source (a tuning fork of frequency 340 Hz) when the tube length is 25.5 cm or 79.3 cm. Estimate the speed of sound in air at the temperature of the experiment. The edge effects may be neglected. 14.16 A steel rod 100 cm long is clamped at its middle. The fundamental frequency of longitudinal vibrations of the rod are given to be 2.53 kHz. What is the speed of sound in steel? 14.17 A pipe 20 cm long is closed at one end. Which harmonic mode of the pipe is resonantly excited by a 430 Hz source ? Will the same source be in resonance with the pipe if both ends are open? (speed of sound in air is 340 m s–1). 14.18 Two sitar strings A and B playing the note ‘Ga’ are slightly out of tune and produce beats of frequency 6 Hz. The tension in the string A is slightly reduced and the beat frequency is found to reduce to 3 Hz. If the original frequency of A is 324 Hz, what is the frequency of B? 14.19 Explain why (or how): (a) in a sound wave, a displacement node is a pressure antinode and vice versa, (b) bats can ascertain distances, directions, nature, and sizes of the obstacles without any “eyes”, (c) a violin note and sitar note may have the same frequency, yet we can distinguish between the two notes, (d) solids can support both longitudinal and transverse waves, but only longitudinal waves can propagate in gases, and (e) the shape of a pulse gets distorted during propagation in a dispersive medium. Reprint 2025-26