Question
In the preceding question, what would happen to the amplitude of the waves generated in this way? Also, consider another scenario where the string is snapped up from one end and down from the other end. What will happen in this situation?
Final Answer
Please see the solution video.
Solution video
OpenStax College Physics for AP® Courses, Chapter 16, Problem 28 (Test Prep for AP® Courses)
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Video Transcript
This is College Physics Answers with Shaun Dychko. A string is fixed on both ends and it's snapped from both ends at the same time by applying an equal force and so that means that each end is going to be both lifted up or both pushed down— one or the other— and after it's released, these waves are going to be moving sideways towards each other and since they are both positive or they are both above the equilibrium position, they will interfere constructively when they reach the middle together at the same time and so constructive interference will occur in this scenario. And then the other scenario where one side is snapped up and the other end is snapped down when these waves meet in the middle later, they will destructively interfere.