Question

Two pulses are moving in opposite directions at \(1.0\;{{{\rm{cm}}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{{\rm{cm}}} {\rm{s}}}} \right. \\} {\rm{s}}}\) on a taut string, as shown in Fig. E15.34. Each square is \(1.0\;{\rm{cm}}\). Sketch the shape of the string at the end of

(a) \(6.0\;{\rm{s}}\);

(b) \(7.0\;{\rm{s}}\);

(c) \(8.0\;{\rm{s}}\)

Short answer

The sketch is shown below.

Step-by-step solution

Identification of the given data

The given data can be listed below as,

• The speed of pulses is, \(1.0\;{{{\rm{cm}}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{{\rm{cm}}} {\rm{s}}}} \right. \\} {\rm{s}}}\).
• The given time is, \(6.0\;{\rm{s}}\).

Significance of the principle of superposition

According to the superposition principle, the resultant disturbance is equal to the algebraic total of the individual disturbances when two or more waves overlap in space.

Determination of the shape of the string at 6 s

When the pulses overlap, they interfere, but once they have completely passed through one another, they take on their original shape again.

The figure below shows the string's shape at \(6.0\;{\rm{s}}\) designated period,