Wave Interference Part I

Set the mode to 'pulse,' select 'loose end,' and set damping to 'None'

Hit the Green Button to pulse the wave. Which best describes what happens to the wave pulse?

• The wave pulse travels and reflects back as a wave-crest. (doesn't flip)

• The wave pulse travels and reflects back as a wave-trough. (flips)

• The wave pulse travels and cancels itself out.

Set the amplitude to 0.5 cm. Check the Rulers box.

Hit the green button to pulse the wave. Pause when the wave is near the middle.

Measure the height of the wave from the dashed equilibrium line to the crest of the wave.

Two crests move towards each other.

What will happen when the two crests meet?

(If you are unsure, try recreating the situation using the simulation (you may need to put the simulation in slow motion))

• The resulting wave is smaller than the original two.

• The resulting wave is larger than the original two.

• The resulting wave is same height as the original two.

• The two waves cancel each other out.

What is the height of the resulting wave?

• 0 cm

• 0.25 cm

• 0.5 cm

• 1.0 cm

A crest of one wave moves towards a trough of a second wave.

What will happen when they meet?

(If you are unsure, try recreating the situation using the simulation (you may need to put the simulation in slow motion))

• The resulting wave will be smaller than the original wave.

• The resulting wave will be larger than the original wave.

• The resulting wave is same height as the original two.

• The two waves cancel each other out.