Physics - Transverse Pulses

Waves , Sound and Light - definitions

Pulse

A single disturbance in a medium

Transverse Pulse

A pulse in which the particles of the medium move at right angles to the direction of motion of the pulse

Pulse Length

The distance from the one end of a pulse to the other end.

Pulse Crest

The highest point in a pulse

Disturbance(or Displacement )

How far and in what direction a point or particle in the medium has moved from the rest position

Amplitude

The maximum disturbance of a particle from its rest(equilibrium)position

Principle of superposition

The algebraic sum of of the amplitudes of two pulses that occupy the same space at the same time

Interference

When two or more pulses (and waves) interact with each other in the same space and at the same time.

Constructive interference

The phenomenon where the crest of one pulse overlaps with the crest of another to produce a pulse of increased amplitude.

Destructive interference

The phenomenon where the crest of one pulse overlaps with the trough of another, resulting in a pulse of reduced amplitude.