Wave Pulse Reflection and Transmission in Spring Junctions

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the behavior of wave pulses at the junction of two springs with differing masses per unit length. It establishes that if spring A is the heavy spring, the transmitted pulse travels slower than the reflected pulse (Statement A: Correct). It confirms that identical springs result in no reflected pulse (Statement B: Correct) and clarifies that the reflected pulse is inverted when spring A is heavy (Statement C: Incorrect). Additionally, it concludes that the transmitted pulse from a light spring is not inverted (Statement D: Correct) while the reflected pulse is inverted (Statement E: Incorrect).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics in elastic media
  • Knowledge of mass per unit length in springs
  • Familiarity with wave reflection and transmission principles
  • Basic mathematical skills for analyzing wave speed formulas
NEXT STEPS
  • Study wave pulse behavior in different elastic materials
  • Learn about the mathematical derivation of wave speed in springs
  • Explore the principles of wave reflection and transmission at boundaries
  • Investigate the effects of tension on wave propagation in springs
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, educators, and anyone studying wave mechanics in elastic systems will benefit from this discussion.

BuBbLeS01
Messages
602
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Two springs are connected, one is a heavy spring and the other is a light spring. A pulse is traveling down spring A, towards a junction with spring B. Which of the following statements are correct/incorrect.

A. If spring A is the heavy spring then the transmitted pulse will travel slower than reflected pulse.
B. The only case in which there will be no reflected pulse is when the springs are identical.
C. If spring A is the heavy spring then the reflected pulse will be inverted.
D. If spring A is the light spring then the transmitted pulse will not be inverted.
E. If spring A is the light spring then the reflected pulse will not be inverted.


The Attempt at a Solution


A. Correct
B. Correct
C. Incorrect
D. Correct
E. Incorrect
 
Physics news on Phys.org
By lighter, I assume mass/unit length is lesser. Does your answer to A tally with the formula for the speed of sound? The tension in both springs is the same.
 
Ohh yea no that should be incorrect. Are the rest of them right?
 
Seems to be all right.
 

Similar threads

Contradictory Sources: Trying to understand waves on a rope being reflected at a boundary
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
2K
Why does a traveling wave pulse get distorted?
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
2K
Reflection and Transmission of String Waves
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
Find spring constant k using an electrical circuit
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Conservation of power in a traveling wave on a string
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
2 Sound waves reflection easy problems
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Wave Speed Equation: Solve Homework w/ Max Displacement 0.16m
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
No prefix: Understanding the Total Force on a Mass Attached by Two Springs
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Body on a spring: expression for the period T
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Extension of spring pulled at both ends
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
7K