Energy when two opposite pulses meet

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When two opposite pulses meet out of phase, they cancel each other out, resulting in no displacement of the string at that point. This leads to a temporary state where the energy appears to be conserved but is not manifested as either potential or kinetic energy since the string remains stationary. The confusion arises from the understanding of energy forms, as potential energy typically requires displacement from equilibrium. The discussion highlights the importance of energy conservation principles in wave interactions. Ultimately, the meeting of the pulses illustrates a complex interplay of energy that may not be easily categorized in traditional terms.
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Homework Statement


Two pulses moving in opposite direction meet at a point. Both are out of phase. What will happen to their energy?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Well i know the string will go blank. Their amplitudes will get cancelled. But what kind of energy will remain? Energy should remain conserved.
Well when the two pulses meet the string doesn't move up or down so i suppose its purely potential energy but i don't udnerstand this . Potential energy is present when the string is dispalced from its psotion but in this case string is not at all dispalced so how can it have potential energy?

So perhaps its purely kinetic energy but then again string is not moving...(im confused)
 
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