The diagram below shows a wave pulse at \(t = 0\) moving to the right on a string with wave speed \(2 \mathrm{~mm/s}\text{.}\) Each grid box represents \(1 \mathrm{~mm}\text{.}\) Consider two different scenarios:
In Scenario 1 the black dot represents a fixed end for the string
In Scenario 2 the black dot represents an end that is free to move up and down
For each scenario: Sketch the shape of the spring at \(t_1 = 2 \mathrm{~s}\text{,}\)\(t_2 = 2.5 \mathrm{~s}\text{,}\) and \(t_3 = 3 \mathrm{~s}\text{.}\) Explain how you made your sketches and comment on the similarities and differences between the scenarios.
Figure17.8.1.
A wave pulse moving to the right.
A*R*C*S17.8.2.Silent Speakers.
Two speakers separated by \(10 \mathrm{~m}\) are simultaneously creating identical (with the same initial phase) sound waves with wavelength \(8 \mathrm{~m}\text{.}\) You are standing somewhere on the line in between the two speakers, but you do not hear any sound! Determine where you are standing, measured from the center point between the two speakers.
Activity17.8.3.Metacognitive Reflection: Superposition of Waves.
You have now encountered the idea of superposition (the idea of adding together like quantities) in multiple contexts, including Waves and Vectors. Consider your experiences with superposition in these two contexts and write a short reflection about what is similar and different about superposition for waves and for vectors.
