Waves 8.9: Additional Problem 2

Description

The above simulation shows how two waves can add together to produce a standing wave on a string (position is in centimeters and time is in seconds). The third panel represents the string. The waves in the first two panels have been superimposed to produce the wave in the third panel. 

Question

 Which of the following statements is true? Start

• Waves never pass through the point x=0 on the string since this point never moves.
• The string is perfectly straight when the maxima in the first two panels overlap.
• There is an instant in time when the string does not move.
• The string is moving fastest when the maxima in the first two panels overlap.

Answer

There is an instant in time when the string does not move.

Reference

See Giancoli-PA: 11-12, Giancoli-SE: 15-9.

Credits

Physlet problem authored by Wolfgang Christian.

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