Height And Width of Reflected Pulses (through less dense medium) ?

In summary, using the reflection and transmission coefficients, we can determine that the reflected and transmitted pulses will be narrower and less tall than the incident pulse.
  • #1
Ted1508
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Homework Statement



Consider the waveform shown below heading towards a boundary between two
strings. Let string 1 have mass per unit length of µ1 = 0.05 kg/m and let string 2
have a mass per unit length µ2 = 0.02 kg/m. Let the tension in both strings be T
= 100N.
-->
____/\____ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
string 1 ... string 2

Using the reflection and transmission coefficients, sketch the reflected and
transmitted pulses after the incident pulse has completely passed through the
boundary. How do the width and height of the reflected and transmitted pulses
compare to the incident pulse?

Homework Equations



(Ar + Ai) * cos(wt) = At * cos(wt)
Ai + Ar = At
k(1) * (Ar - At) = -k(2) * Atr

The Attempt at a Solution



r = (v(2) - v(1)) / (v(2) + v(1))
τ = 2*v(1) / (v(1) + v(2)) = 2 / (1 + v(1) / v(2))
v(2) = sqrt( (f * τ) / µ2 ) & vise versa
v(1) / v(2) = sqrt( µ2 /µ1 )
r = (1-0.63)/(1+0.63) = 0.225, t= 1.225

I know the pulse in the lighter string should look like ___ _ /\ _ _ (taller but less wide)

But how do I quantitatively illustrate that the width and height change, and by how much?

Help is definitely appreciaTed!
 
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  • #2
The width and height of the reflected and transmitted pulses can be determined by using the reflection and transmission coefficients. The reflection coefficient, r, is given by: r = (v2 - v1)/(v2 + v1)where v1 and v2 are the wave velocities in strings 1 and 2 respectively. The transmission coefficient, t, is given by:t = 2v1/(v1 + v2)Using these coefficients, we can determine how the amplitude and width of the reflected and transmitted pulses will change. The amplitude of the reflected pulse will be equal to r times the amplitude of the incident pulse, while the amplitude of the transmitted pulse will be equal to t times the amplitude of the incident pulse. The width of the reflected pulse will be equal to r times the width of the incident pulse, while the width of the transmitted pulse will be equal to t times the width of the incident pulse. Thus, we can conclude that the reflected and transmitted pulses will be both narrower and less tall than the incident pulse.
 

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Height and Width of Reflected Pulses (through less dense medium)

1. What is the difference between height and width of a reflected pulse through a less dense medium?
The height of a reflected pulse refers to the maximum displacement of the wave from its equilibrium position, while the width refers to the distance between the two points on the wave with the same displacement.
2. How does the density of a medium affect the height and width of a reflected pulse?
The density of a medium affects the speed of the wave, which in turn affects the height and width of a reflected pulse. In a less dense medium, the wave will travel faster and have a lower height and wider width compared to a denser medium.
3. Can the height of a reflected pulse change when passing through a less dense medium?
Yes, the height of a reflected pulse can change when passing through a less dense medium. This is due to the change in the wave's speed and direction as it enters the new medium.
4. How does the angle of incidence affect the height and width of a reflected pulse through a less dense medium?
The angle of incidence can affect the height and width of a reflected pulse through a less dense medium by changing the direction of the wave. A steeper angle of incidence can result in a higher height and narrower width of the reflected pulse.
5. Is there a limit to how much the height and width of a reflected pulse can change when passing through a less dense medium?
Yes, there is a limit to how much the height and width of a reflected pulse can change when passing through a less dense medium. This is because the speed of the wave is dependent on the density of the medium, so there will be a point where the change in density will no longer have a significant effect on the wave's height and width.

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