The discussion revolves around the formation of standing waves in a string fixed at one end, specifically addressing the behavior of incoming and reflected waves that are 180° out of phase. Participants explore the implications of this phase relationship on wave interference and the resulting oscillation patterns.
Participants express differing views on the nature of interference between incoming and reflected waves, with no consensus reached on the implications of the 180° phase difference. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the complete nature of interference across the string.
Participants reference the need for mathematical expressions and possibly plotting software to better understand the wave interactions, indicating that some assumptions about wave behavior may not be fully articulated.
Clearly not, because we get standing waves.Vivek98phyboy said:Shouldn't it be completely destructive interference all the time across the whole length of string?
As @Ibix says, the best and easiest way to see this is simply to write it down. Even better if you have plotting software you can use.Vivek98phyboy said:If reflected waves are 180° out of phase with incoming wave, how could they combine to give an oscillating wave? Shouldn't it be completely destructive interference all the time across the whole length of string?
No, because they are traveling in opposite directions, so the phase shift is different at each point. The interference is completely destructive at the anti-nodes of the standing wave.Vivek98phyboy said:Standing waves in a string fixed at one end is formed by incoming and reflected waves. If reflected waves are 180° out of phase with incoming wave, how could they combine to give an oscillating wave? Shouldn't it be completely destructive interference all the time across the whole length of string?