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Home Interactives Vibrations and Waves Boundary Behavior of Waves

Boundary Behavior of Waves

The Boundary Behavior of Waves Interactive consists of four different investigations that are intended to lead to an understanding of the behavior of a wave as it passes across the boundary that separates one medium from another medium. The behavior of a wave (actually a pulse) is modeled by the back-and-forth movements of the particles of the medium through which it moves. Learners view the particles undergoing an up-and-down movement as a transverse pulse travels through it. The first investigation involves an exploration of how the density of a medium affects the speed of a pulse that travels through it. In the second and third investigations, learners analyze the behavior of a pulse as it reflects off the end of the medium - both a fixed end and a free-end. In the final investigation, learners adjust the relative density of two adjoining media and observe the behavior of an incident pulse once it reaches the boundary between them.
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Users are encouraged to open the Interactive and explore. For a more guided experience, The Physics Classroom has prepared an activity for use with this Interactive and encourages teachers to use it with their classes.

Learners and Instructors may also be interested in viewing the accompanying Notes page. Technical information, teaching suggestions, and related resources that complement this Interactive are provided on the Notes page. View Notes.

NEWOur Boundary Behavior of Waves simulation is now equipped with Task Tracker functionality. Learn more.