Hello, If two waves with equal but opposite in amplitude, collide ata point equa

Question

Hello,

If two waves with equal but opposite in amplitude, collide ata point equal distance from each other so the amplitude goes tozero, what can be said about the energy? Does it go to vanishat this instance as well?

I know for a wave that PE = KE.  

Here is what the solution says: "No, the energy does not vanish,consider the kinetic energy"

Does this mean that in the collision the kinetic energy is whatcauses the amplitude to go to zero, but there is still a potentialremaining? Or is it the potential energy that causes theamplitude to go to zero and the remaining energy is in the form ofkinetic (although this doesn't seem right).

Any ideas?

Thanks,
David

Explanation / Answer

wave is the passage of disturbance of one point to other withoutthe actual movement of the particles inbetween. when two waves are equal in magnitude ie regarding amplitude andopposite in direction are collide at a point means they are forcingone particle at the point of collision in quite opposite direction with equal amplitude .this results in the zerodisplacement of the point that leads to zero amplitude. energy in this pattern wont become zero but will be conserved. thatis readjusts between maximum and minimum.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse H
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.