Wave Pulse Reflection and Transmission in Spring Junctions

In summary, one heavy spring and one light spring are connected and a pulse is traveling towards a junction with the other spring. The correct statements are that if spring A is the heavy spring, the transmitted pulse will travel slower than the reflected pulse, and if spring A is the light spring, the transmitted pulse will not be inverted. The incorrect statements are that if spring A is the heavy spring, the reflected pulse will be inverted, and if spring A is the light spring, the reflected pulse will not be inverted. The only case in which there will be no reflected pulse is when the springs are identical. The tension in both springs is the same.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


Two springs are connected, one is a heavy spring and the other is a light spring. A pulse is traveling down spring A, towards a junction with spring B. Which of the following statements are correct/incorrect.

A. If spring A is the heavy spring then the transmitted pulse will travel slower than reflected pulse.
B. The only case in which there will be no reflected pulse is when the springs are identical.
C. If spring A is the heavy spring then the reflected pulse will be inverted.
D. If spring A is the light spring then the transmitted pulse will not be inverted.
E. If spring A is the light spring then the reflected pulse will not be inverted.


The Attempt at a Solution


A. Correct
B. Correct
C. Incorrect
D. Correct
E. Incorrect
 
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  • #2
By lighter, I assume mass/unit length is lesser. Does your answer to A tally with the formula for the speed of sound? The tension in both springs is the same.
 
  • #3
Ohh yea no that should be incorrect. Are the rest of them right?
 
  • #4
Seems to be all right.
 

Related to Wave Pulse Reflection and Transmission in Spring Junctions

What is a wave pulse?

A wave pulse is a single disturbance or vibration that travels through a medium, without a continuous flow of energy. It is a one-time event and does not have a repeating pattern.

How does a wave pulse travel?

A wave pulse travels through a medium by causing particles in the medium to move back and forth in a wave-like pattern. This disturbance is transferred from one particle to the next, creating a chain reaction.

What is the difference between a transverse and longitudinal wave pulse?

A transverse wave pulse is one in which the particles in the medium vibrate perpendicular to the direction of the wave's motion. In contrast, a longitudinal wave pulse is one in which the particles in the medium vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave's motion.

How does the amplitude of a wave pulse affect its energy?

The amplitude of a wave pulse is directly proportional to its energy. This means that the larger the amplitude, the more energy the wave pulse carries.

Can a wave pulse change direction?

Yes, a wave pulse can change direction when it encounters a boundary between two different mediums. This is known as wave reflection, and the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence.

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