Light waves represented by coils

AI Thread Summary
The reflection of light waves is influenced by the densities of the mediums they travel through. When a wave with positive amplitude moves from a less dense medium, like air, to a denser medium, such as water, it reflects with a negative amplitude. This behavior is similar to a wave on a string tied to a post, where the reflection occurs with opposite amplitude. Additionally, when pulses travel between springs of differing densities, the same principles apply: a pulse from a light density spring to a heavy one reflects oppositely, while a pulse from a heavy to a light spring reflects with the same amplitude. Understanding these principles clarifies the behavior of light waves in different mediums.
phyzwiz69
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Thanks it makes a lot more sense now!
 
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The sign of the reflected wave (up or down) depends on the mediums that it travels from & to. A wave with a positive amplitude that is traveling from a medium with light density (air) to a heavier density medium (water) will reflect with a negative amplitude.

This action is analogous to a string tied onto a post. The wave will be reflected with opposite amplitude.

Two springs that are connected will follow the same principle at the boundary between them.
A pulse sent from a light density spring to a heavy density spring will reflect back with an opposite amplitude.
A pulse sent from a thick density spring to a light density spring will reflect back with the same amplitude.
 

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