If the equation of a progressive wave is #y_1=asin(omega t-kx)#,then what is the equation of its reflected wave at a free boundary?

1 Answer
Feb 27, 2018

# asin(omegat +kx)#

Explanation:

When a wave is reflected from a denser media,its phase change by #pi#,and if the boundary is closed,its amplitude becomes negative as well,but in case of free boundary,there is no such change in amplitude.

Now,the given equation of the wave is #y_1= a sin(omegat -kx)#, which is travelling along #+X# axis,

So,the equation of the reflected wave in this case will be #y=a sin (omegat +kx)# which is travelling along #-X# axis,i.e having phase difference of #pi#.