What is the phase accumulation of reflected wave?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the movement of a wave through three different areas, with a focus on the final part of the wave that returns to Area 1. The question is raised about the phase of this part of the wave, and there is a debate about whether it should be 2D * k2 or -2D * k2. The conversation also mentions the relationship between amplitudes and reflectivity and transmittance coefficients. A website about acoustic waves is mentioned as a potential source of relevant information.
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sapz
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Homework Statement



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We have 3 areas in which a wave can move.

The wave Y1 starts at area 1 and goes towards Border 1, some part of it is passed to Area 2.
That part goes towards Border 2, and some part of it is reflected back into Area 2.
That part moves towards Border 1, and some of it passes to Area 1.

I'm interested in that last part that returned to Area 1, which is Y4.
What is its Phase? It would seem that the wave accumulated phase when it was in Area 2, so should it be 2D * k2? (wave number times the distance in that area)?

If the original wave was [itex]Y_1(x,t) = Ae^{i(wt-k_1x)}[/itex], would Y4 be [itex]Y_4(x,t) = Be^{i(wt+k_1x+\phi)}[/itex], where [itex]\phi = 2Dk_2[/itex]?
Or should it be [itex]\phi = -2Dk_2[/itex]?

(A and B are some amplitudes we can relate through reflectivity and transmittance coefficients)
 

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1. What is phase accumulation of a wave?

Phase accumulation of a wave refers to the process of measuring the change in phase, or the position of a point on a wave, over a given distance or time interval.

2. How is phase accumulation related to wavelength?

Phase accumulation is directly related to the wavelength of a wave. As the wavelength increases, the phase accumulation also increases.

3. What is the significance of phase accumulation in wave interference?

In wave interference, phase accumulation plays a critical role in determining the resulting wave pattern. When waves with different phases interfere, the phase accumulation can result in constructive or destructive interference.

4. How is phase accumulation affected by the speed of a wave?

The speed of a wave does not affect the phase accumulation. It is solely determined by the wavelength and the distance or time interval over which it is measured.

5. Can phase accumulation be negative?

Yes, phase accumulation can be negative. This occurs when the phase of a wave decreases over a given distance or time interval, such as in the case of a wave traveling in the opposite direction of the original wave.

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