This is a very basic physics question that I have never found a satisfactory answer (at least an answer that I can understand) about wave mechanics.
What is the difference between "phase velocity" and "group velocity"? Looking at a very simple wave phenomenon like ocean waves, I see a transverse displacement of the surface of the water that appears to be traveling in envelope toward the shore. It is also known that a particle floating on top of the water will move in sort of a circular path with a net displacement of zero, That is the particle will be in the same initial position after the wave has passed.
Seems the term "phase velocity" might refer to the velocity of the particle moving in simple harmonic motion as the wave passes.
What is the difference between "phase velocity" and "group velocity"? Looking at a very simple wave phenomenon like ocean waves, I see a transverse displacement of the surface of the water that appears to be traveling in envelope toward the shore. It is also known that a particle floating on top of the water will move in sort of a circular path with a net displacement of zero, That is the particle will be in the same initial position after the wave has passed.
Seems the term "phase velocity" might refer to the velocity of the particle moving in simple harmonic motion as the wave passes.