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Re: [Phys-l] Wave speed

A single pulse is equivalent to the superposition of waves of many different wavelengths, each with its own amplitude and phase. This superposition can be described by a Fourier transform. The shape of the pulse changes as it progagates, because the components with different frequencies travel at different speeds.

Daniel Crowe
Loudoun County Public Schools
Academy of Science
dan.crowe@loudoun.k12.va.us
David Abineri <dabineri@fuse.net> 07/13/09 2:02 PM >>>
A secondary question concerns the speed of a wave in its dependence on
wavelength. Some references indicate a longer wavelength means a
greater speed. What is the mechanism that explains this? Also, suppose
a single pulse is created, then there is no wavelength so what does the
speed depend on now. Is it possible to produce a single pulse?