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If light wave is represented by the equa...

If light wave is represented by the equation `y = A sin (kx - omega t)`. Here `y` may represent

A

electric field

B

magnetic field

C

pressure in medium

D

density of medium

Text Solution

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The correct Answer is:
To solve the question regarding the representation of `y` in the equation of a light wave given by `y = A sin(kx - ωt)`, we can analyze the components of the equation step by step. ### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Understanding the Equation**: The equation `y = A sin(kx - ωt)` represents a wave. Here, `A` is the amplitude of the wave, `k` is the wave number, `x` is the position, `ω` is the angular frequency, and `t` is time. **Hint**: Identify the components of the wave equation and their physical meanings. 2. **Direction of Propagation**: The term `kx - ωt` indicates that the wave is propagating in the positive x-direction. This means that the wave travels along the x-axis. **Hint**: Consider how the terms in the sine function relate to the wave's direction and behavior. 3. **Nature of Light Waves**: Light waves are electromagnetic waves, which consist of oscillating electric fields (E) and magnetic fields (B). These fields are perpendicular to each other and also perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation. **Hint**: Recall the properties of electromagnetic waves and how electric and magnetic fields are oriented. 4. **Identifying `y`**: In the context of light waves, `y` can represent either the electric field (E) or the magnetic field (B) of the wave. This is because both fields oscillate in a sinusoidal manner and are described by similar wave equations. **Hint**: Think about what physical quantities can be represented in wave equations for electromagnetic waves. 5. **Exclusion of Other Options**: The question mentions options such as pressure and density of the medium. However, these are relevant to mechanical waves (like sound waves) and do not apply to electromagnetic waves. Thus, they can be excluded. **Hint**: Differentiate between mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves to eliminate incorrect options. 6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, in the context of the given wave equation, `y` can represent either the electric field (E) or the magnetic field (B) of the light wave. **Hint**: Summarize your findings by stating the correct physical interpretations of `y` in the context of light waves. ### Final Answer: `y` may represent the electric field (E) or the magnetic field (B) of the light wave.

To solve the question regarding the representation of `y` in the equation of a light wave given by `y = A sin(kx - ωt)`, we can analyze the components of the equation step by step. ### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Understanding the Equation**: The equation `y = A sin(kx - ωt)` represents a wave. Here, `A` is the amplitude of the wave, `k` is the wave number, `x` is the position, `ω` is the angular frequency, and `t` is time. **Hint**: Identify the components of the wave equation and their physical meanings. ...
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Knowledge Check

  • A wave is represented by an equation, Y=A coskxsinomegat , then

    A
    it is a progresive wave with amplitude A
    B
    it is a progresive wave with amplitude A`coskx`
    C
    it is a stationary wave with amplitude A
    D
    it is a stationary wave with amplitude A`coskx`
  • In a wave motion y = a sin (kx - omegat) , y can represent

    A
    (a) electric field
    B
    ( b ) magnetic field
    C
    ( c ) displacement
    D
    (d) pressure
  • In a wave motion y = sin (kx - omega t),y can represent :-

    A
    electric field
    B
    magnetic field
    C
    displacement
    D
    pressure
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