Why do water waves not undergo a phase change when they hit a fixed wall?

In summary, water waves do not undergo a phase change of pi when they hit a fixed wall, unlike a pulse on a string which experiences a 180 degree phase change. This is because the reaction of the wall depends on the type of wave and how it transfers energy. Water waves, being transverse waves, transfer energy but the particle motion does not change upon reflection. This is different from sound waves, which are compression waves, and experience no change of phase upon reflection. The difference lies in the way the wall reacts to the incoming momentum transfer, causing a change in state of motion for the string but not for water waves.
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Clara Chung
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Why won't water wave undergo a phase change of pi when it propagates to a fixed wall just like a pulse of string does.
 
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Clara Chung said:
Why won't water wave undergo a phase change of pi when it propagates to a fixed wall just like a pulse of string does.

the change of phase of a wave takes place in a variety of circumstances upon hitting a reflecting wall.
it depends on how the wall reacts to the incident 'momentum transfer'.

a string tied at a fixed point -the waves on the string when hits the tied end it gets pushed by the incoming force and the reaction at the end is equal and opposite direction so a crest returns as a trough and there is a 180 degree change of phase .

sound waves which are waves of compression hitting a wall gets reflected without any change of phase.

water waves which are transverse waves in the medium transfers energy but the particle motion is perpendicular to the direction of propagation and when it gets reflected the reaction of the wall sends back a crest as a crest and a trough as a trough -
that is without any change of phase;
at the interface of wall and liquid layer the displacement as such is pushed back without changing its state of motion ,
whereas in the waves on the string if the last element is going up- it pulls on the fixed end and the reaction force acts in opposite direction -that it gets pulled down and leads to change of state of motion.
 
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FAQ: Why do water waves not undergo a phase change when they hit a fixed wall?

What is a phase change?

A phase change, also known as a state change, is a physical change in matter where a substance transitions from one state (solid, liquid, or gas) to another state.

What factors can cause a phase change?

A phase change can be caused by changes in temperature, pressure, or both. For example, increasing the temperature of a solid can cause it to melt into a liquid, and decreasing the pressure of a gas can cause it to condense into a liquid.

What are the different types of phase changes?

There are six main types of phase changes: melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation, sublimation, and deposition. Melting and freezing involve the transition between solid and liquid states, evaporation and condensation involve the transition between liquid and gas states, and sublimation and deposition involve the transition between solid and gas states.

What is the difference between a physical and chemical change?

A physical change involves a change in the physical properties of a substance, such as its state, shape, or size. A chemical change, on the other hand, involves a change in the chemical composition of a substance, resulting in the formation of new substances with different properties.

Can a substance undergo multiple phase changes?

Yes, a substance can undergo multiple phase changes. For example, water can go from a solid (ice) to a liquid (water) to a gas (water vapor) as it is heated. It can also go from a gas (water vapor) to a liquid (water) to a solid (ice) as it is cooled.

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