The equations of two waves acting in perpendicular directions are given as x = a ( t + ) and y = a ( t + ), where = + 2, the resultant wave represents
- a parabola
- a circle
- an ellipse
- a straight line
Answer
(2) a circle
Solution
Put = + 2 in the equation of x:
x = a ( t + + 2 ) = -a ( t + )
and y = a ( t + )
Squaring and adding:
x2 + y2 = a2 [ 2( t + ) + 2( t + ) ]
x2 + y2 = a2
The resultant motion is a circle of radius a.
Answer: (2)