4-21-09

Today in fifth period physics with Mr. Manning we discussed **interference** of waves. But first… a DAILY QUESTION!!! The Scenario A pulse in a higher density medium (like a slinky) is traveling towards a boundary with a lower density (like a string).


 * 1) How will the reflected pulse of the slinky look as compared to the originally created wave.

Answer: The reflected pulse of the slinky will not be inverted because of the open end.

2. How will the speed of the reflected pulse compare the initial wave.

Answer: The speed of the reflected pulse will be the same as the speed of the incident pulse.


 * 1) If the speed of the wave were clocked at five meters per second, with a wavelength of 2 meters, what would the period of the wave be?

Answer: 2.5Hz=f

After the lengthy Daily Question, we began to talk about interference within waves. You should make sure to pick up pages 10 and 11, which include the notes for interference and transmission of waves. **__Interference:__** when two pulses that are traveling in the same medium in opposite directions meet and interact with each other. This definition is also available at the top of page ten! We were asked to read the following questions and the make two predictions.

Question 1.
 * 1) When the two pulses meet, will they bounce off (reflect off) each other or will they go through each other and maintain their original direction?
 * 2) When the two pulses get as close together as possible, what do you think will happen to the shape of the spring?

If you had been here to witness the demos, you would find that waves continue through each other, maintaining their initial direction.