Wave Reflection Animations
1-16. Reflection of a wave from a fixed end
Figure 1-16. Reflection from a fixed end. A pulse wave moves left on a string whose left end is tied firmly to a wall at x = 0. When the pulse reaches the fixed end it stretches the string more than normally, which causes a larger elastic pull than normal so the pulse is reflected upside-down back to the right.
1-17. Reflection from a loose end:
Figure 1-17. Reflection from a loose end. A pulse wave moves left on a string whose left end is free to move. When the pulse reaches the loose end it simply flops upward, so the pulse is reflected right-side-up back to the right.
© William J. Mullin