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Physics
Wave on a string
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cm
%
Ruler and reference line
- Displacement of M
- cm
- Elapsed model time
- s
- Position of M
- cm
A fixed end stays at zero displacement. The reflected pulse is inverted: a crest returns as a trough.
Particle M moves up and down. The disturbance travels along the string; the particle does not travel with the wave.
Model notes
- The string is represented by 61 points moving transversely, updated every 0.02 s. Length is in cm and time in s.
- Tension and damping are relative model parameters, not tension in newtons or energy lost per second.
- An ideal string with transverse motion; breaking, gravitational sag and nonlinear deformation are not modelled. Large resonant amplitudes do not predict material strength.
- The generator produces a triangular pulse. The open end uses an approximate absorbing boundary.
- Hidden tabs stop advancing time. Slow playback slows both the source and propagation. Reset clears waves and all accumulated time.