Energy when two opposite pulses meet

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SUMMARY

When two opposite pulses meet while being out of phase, their amplitudes cancel each other, resulting in a temporary state where the string does not move vertically. This phenomenon indicates that the energy is conserved, but the form of energy present is purely potential energy at the point of intersection. Although the string appears stationary, potential energy exists due to the displacement of the pulses from their equilibrium positions prior to meeting.

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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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