Superposition & Reflection
Discover what happens when waves meet and when they hit a boundary.
The Concepts
• Superposition: When two or more waves overlap, the total displacement is the algebraic sum of their individual displacements. This leads to constructive (waves add up) and destructive (waves cancel out) interference.
• Reflection: When a wave hits a boundary, it bounces back. If the boundary is a fixed end, the wave inverts. If it's a free end, it reflects without inverting.
What to look for
- The string is now represented by individual particles.
- The status text below the simulation will explain what's happening in real-time.