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What happens to a wave when it hits a rigid or fixed boundary? A less rígid or free end?

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Answer:

onsider a pulse moving through a medium - perhaps through a rope or a slinky. What happens to the pulse when it reaches the end of that medium? The answer depends on whether the medium is fixed in space or free to move at its end. For example, if the pulse is moving through a rope and the end of the rope is held firmly by a person, then it could be said that the pulse is approaching a fixed end. On the other hand, if the end of the rope is lying on the floor such that it is free to move up or down when the pulse reaches its end, then it could be said that the pulse is approaching a free end.The animation below depicts a pulse moving through a medium which is fixed at its end.

Step-by-step explanation:

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