Concepts : Destructive waves vs. equilibrium

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the behavior of two opposing pulses on a stretched string, which, when overlapping, result in zero displacement. Despite this zero displacement, the energy from both waves remains present, indicating that the system is not in true equilibrium. The kinetic energy is at its maximum while potential energy is zero at this instant. The key difference between this scenario and true equilibrium lies in the presence of wave energy, which persists even when displacement is null. Understanding this distinction is crucial for grasping wave dynamics in physical systems.
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Homework Statement


An upward and downward pulse, otherwise identical in shape are propagating in opposite directions along a stretched string. At the instant they overlap completely, the displacement of the string is exactly zero everywhere. How does this situation differ from true equilibrium?
HINT: Where is the wave energy?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I'm assuming that for wave 1, amplitude = +A and for wave 2, amplitude = -A.
y1(x, t) = A1 cos((k1)x - (w1)t + phi1)
y2(x, t) = -A1 cos ((k2)x + (w2)t + phi2)
No phase change so phi's drop, +/- symbols to indicate opposite directions. Now, while they cancel, I'm assuming that even if there is 0 displacement, there is still energy in both waves. However I'm having trouble proving it.
Thanks guys and I hope I posted this properly.
 
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The spring has both kinetic and potential energy. At the instant the displacement is zero along the whole spring, PE=0 and KE is maximum.

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