Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]
- Exam
- Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]
- Subject
- Physics
- Chapter
- Wave Motion and Waves on a String
Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1] · Physics · Wave Motion and Waves on a String
Two wave pulses approach each other while travelling in opposite...
Two wave pulses approach each other while travelling in opposite directions on a string. One pulse has a shape that is inverted relative to the other.
Options
- AThe pulses will pass through one another, although their shapes will be modified.
- BThe pulses will reflect off one another, such that the rightward pulse will eventually move leftward and vice versa.
- CThe pulses will pass through one another without experiencing any change in their shapes.
- DThe pulses will collide and vanish entirely after the collision.
Correct answer
C. The pulses will pass through one another without experiencing any change in their shapes.
Step-by-step solution
According to the principle of superposition, when two wave pulses travelling in opposite directions overlap, the resultant displacement of the string is the algebraic sum of the individual displacements.
The waves do not interact in a way that permanently alters their properties. After the region of overlap, both wave pulses emerge and continue to travel in their original directions with their original shapes, amplitudes, and speeds completely unchanged.
Thus, the pulses pass through one another without experiencing any change in their shapes.
The waves do not interact in a way that permanently alters their properties. After the region of overlap, both wave pulses emerge and continue to travel in their original directions with their original shapes, amplitudes, and speeds completely unchanged.
Thus, the pulses pass through one another without experiencing any change in their shapes.