Introduction

A wave is different from a particle because it can move between two locations without any matter moving from one place to another. Instead wave motion involves only the transmission of energy. Suppose the ends of a long stretched slinky are clamped and two wave pulses travel toward each other in opposite directions.

Objectives

In this activity, you will

  • Explore what happens before, during, and after these pulses meet.
  • Learn about the principle of wave superposition.