Two pulses are travelling towards each other at 10 cm/s on a long string at t = 0 s, as shown below. Which diagram below correctly shows the shape of the string at 0.5 s?

Question

Two pulses are travelling towards each other at 10 cm/s on a long string at t = 0 s, as shown below.  Which diagram below correctly shows the shape of the string at 0.5 s?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

At t=0.5 s, the pulses have travelled a distance of 5 cm each towards each other, which means they have intersected each other. The intersection point will experience a constructive interference, resulting in an amplitude that is the sum of both pulses. This is shown in option B. The other options show either destructive interference or incorrect amplitude values.

Two Pulses Are Travelling Towards Each Other at 10 Cm/s