Wave phenomena across physics are fundamentally described using trigonometric functions.
Wave Equation
y(x,t) = A·sin(kx - ωt + φ)
Where:
k = 2π/λ (wavenumber)
ω = 2πf (angular frequency)
Applications
- Electromagnetics: Light wave propagation
- Quantum Mechanics: Wavefunction solutions
- Acoustics: Sound interference patterns
Standing Wave
Guitar string (L=0.65m) fundamental frequency:
λ = 2L = 1.3m
f = v/λ (where v = √(T/μ))