PhysicsLAB: Wave Pulses

When two or more waves travelling through the same medium overlap [or meet] they superposition and the observor only sees their interference pattern. Once they pass through one another, the observor once again sees the individual waves. The mechanism by which they superposition is called "addition of ordinates;" that is, their vertical displacements reinforce or cancel eath other.

Before starting this worksheet, take a moment and examine the superposition of several different types of pulses in these animations by Zona Land Education.

Question #1: Two pulses traveling in the same uniform medium approach each other, as shown in the diagram below.

Which diagram best represents the superposition of the two pulses?

Question #2: The diagram below represents two pulses approaching each other.

Which diagram best represents the resultant pulse at the instant the pulses are passing through each other?

Question #3:

Question #4:

Question #5: As shown in the diagram below, a transverse wave is moving with velocity v along a rope. In which direction will segment X move as the wave passes through it?

down only
up only
down, then up, then down
up, then down, then up

Question #6: The diagram below shows two pulses traveling toward each other in a uniform medium.

Which diagram best represents the medium when the pulses meet at point X?

Question #7: The diagram below shows two pulses, A and B, approaching each other in a uniform medium.

Which diagram best represents the superposition of the two pulses?

Question #8: Two pulses, A and B, travel toward each other along the same rope, as shown below.

When the centers of the two pulses meet point X, the amplitude at the center of the resultant pulse will be

+1 unit+2 units0 units-1 units

Question #9: The diagram below represents two waves of equal amplitude and frequency approaching point P as they move through the same medium.

As the two waves pass through each other, the medium at point P will

vibrate up and down
vibrate left and right
vibrate into and out of the page
remain absolutely stationary

Question #10: The diagram below shows two pulses of equal amplitude, A, approaching point P along a uniform string.

When the two pulses meet at P, the vertical displacement of the string at P will be

A2A00.5 A