Wave Reflection and Pulse Behavior

Flashcards covering wave reflection at fixed and free ends, and the energy loss in real situations.

When a pulse reaches a fixed barrier, what causes it to reflect back on the opposite side, or inverted?

The support exerts an equal but opposite downward force on the rope.

What is the characteristic reflection of a pulse from a fixed end of a medium?

It reflects back on the opposite side, or inverted.

What happens to a pulse when it reflects from a free end of a medium?

It reflects back on the same side of the rope as the incoming pulse, not inverted.

What action generates a reflected pulse that stays on the same side of the rope when it reaches a free end?

The particles of the rope exert an upward pull on the end of the rope.

In ideal situations, what is the amplitude of reflected pulses compared to incoming pulses?

They have the same amplitude.

Why do pulses decrease in size as they travel down a medium in real situations?

Due to friction between the particles of the medium, resulting in a conversion of wave energy to heat energy.