G3-03: SHIVE WAVE MACHINE - REFLECTION OF PULSES

g3-03 g3-03a g3-03b

  • ID Code: G3-03
  • Purpose: Demonstrate reflection of pulses from fixed ends and free ends.
  • Description:
    A pulse generated at the left end (photograph at left) reflects off the right end. The reflecting end can either be fixed (clamped, center photograph) or free (right photograph).
    Engagement Suggestion
    • Encourage students to make a prediction before each combination as to whether the wave will reflect, and whether that reflection will be upright or inverted. • This can be combined with demonstration G3-05, showing that fixed and free end reflections are the extreme cases of partial reflections due to a change in impedance.
    Background
    Like any wave in a transmission medium, when the medium ends the energy in the wave has to go somewhere. The wave is reflected back from the end. With a free end, the wave reflects identically; with the end clamped, it reflects inverted.
  • Availability: Available
  • References: http://www.physics.umd.edu/deptinfo/facilities/lecdem/services/refs/refsg.htm#G3-03
  • Videos-1: https://youtu.be/GtxH3l9RnFE?t=90

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