What Is the Equation of a Wave Reflected from a Rigid Boundary?

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SUMMARY

The equation of a wave reflected from a rigid boundary is given by y = A1[sin(wt + kx)], where A1 is determined by boundary conditions. A phase change of π occurs when the wave reflects off a denser medium, confirming that the wall is indeed a rigid boundary. The original wave equation is y = A[sin(wt – kx)], and the reflection introduces a change in the wave's phase due to the properties of the boundary.

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Amith2006
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Sir,
Consider a progressive wave represented by the equation,
y = A[sin(wt – kx)]
If it is reflected from a wall, what will probably be the equation of the reflected wave?
I think it is y = A1[sin(wt + kx)]
Is it right? Should a negative sign be given to the expression? Will there be a phase change of pi assuming the wall to be rigid boundary?
 
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Amith2006 said:
Sir,
Consider a progressive wave represented by the equation,
y = A[sin(wt – kx)]
If it is reflected from a wall, what will probably be the equation of the reflected wave?
I think it is y = A1[sin(wt + kx)]
Is it right? Should a negative sign be given to the expression? Will there be a phase change of pi assuming the wall to be rigid boundary?

There will be a phase change of [itex]\pi[/itex] if the wall is of a denser medium than the incident medium. Since the wall is rigid, this is correct. [itex]A_{1}[/itex] is determined from considerations of boundary conditions. That will tell you whether there should be a minus sign or not. You don't have to "give" it a negative sign.
 

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