Transverse wave and polarization

A taut string was at rest along the X axis, but now a transverse wave of period T, wavelength λ and phase velocity v propagates along it, according to the following equations:
y = A_y cos(k x - ω t)
z = A_z cos(k x - ω t + δ)
where k = 2π/λ and ω = 2π/T.

The point of view of the three-dimensional projection can be changed with the cursors or the mouse.
The whole image can be moved with the mouse while pressing Ctrl.
To change the zoom in the projection, press Shift when moving up or down the mouse pointer.
Put the mouse pointer over a control to get information about it.

Activities

Change the amplitudes Ay = A_y and Az = A_z, as well as the phase-difference δ, to get a transverse wave with

linear polarization,
elliptic polarization,
circular polarization.

In each case you should check Position and Trajectory and change the point of view to make sure it becomes apparent why each polarization has such a name.

This is an English translation of the Basque original for a course on mechanics, oscillations and waves.
It requires Java 1.5 or newer and was created by Juan M. Aguirregabiria with Easy Java Simulations (Ejs) by Francisco Esquembre. I thank Wolfgang Christian and Francisco Esquembre for their help.