Pulses & Periodic Waves | Show Me The Physics

What effect allows insects to walk on water?

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B. Pulses & Periodic Waves

1. Pulse — a single vibratory disturbance that moves from point to point.

The pulse moves horizontally while the medium only moves up and down.

Animation created by User:Evil_saltine

In which direction will segment X move as the wave passes through it?

(1) Down only

(2) Up only

(3) Down, then up, then down

(4) Up, then down, then up

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Answer: (4) Up, then down, then up.

When light waves hit the surface of the bubble, two things happen. Name them.

Reflection in a soap bubble

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Answer: Some light is transmitted and some is reflected.

When a pulse reaches a boundary with another medium, part of it is reflected and part is transmitted (goes through).

When a pulse reaches a fixed, unyielding boundary, the pulse is completely reflected and inverted by 180°.

2. Periodic Wave — a series of evenly timed disturbances in a medium.