Physics Review Question

Unit: Waves
Year: 1995 Question#: 42
Question: The diagrtam below represents a rope along which two pulses of equal amplitude, A, approach point P.

When the two pulses meet at P, the vertical displacement of the rope at point P will be
(1 ) A
(2 ) 2A
(3 ) 0
(4 ) A/2

What is this question really asking?




Explanation by: Matt G.

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Answer 1
A

INCORRECT

It is not two A because when the waves hit they will add their two amplitudes up. return to top























Answer 2
2A

CORRECT

These two waves have constructive interference. This is when both waves are moving in opposite directions, with the same orientation. return to top



























Answer 3
0

INCORRECT

This would be destructive interference. That is when two waves travel towards each other with the opposite orienation. return to top


























Answer 4
A/2

INCORRECT

I have no idea where this answer came from, but it is wrong. Amplitudes during interference only add and subtract, they can't multiply or divide. return to top


























What's this question really asking?

What is constructive interference?. return to top

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