How Does Amplitude Change When a Pulse Moves Between Different Density Mediums?

[zippyhippy]

Hey guys,

I'm confused as to what happens regarding the amplitude when a pulse moves across mediums.


1. Let's say a pulse is moving from a string of low density to a string of high density:

I know that the reflected amplitude will be less than the incident's, and also the transmitted amplitude will be smaller than the incident. But what is the relationship between the transmitted's amplitude and the reflected's amplitude?

2. What about a pulse that moves from high density to low density?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jbsteele]

When a pulse moves from a string of low density to a string of high density, the transmitted amplitude will be less than the incident's amplitude, and the reflected amplitude will be greater than the incident's amplitude. The transmitted amplitude will always be less than the reflected amplitude.When a pulse moves from high density to low density, the transmitted amplitude will be greater than the incident's amplitude and the reflected amplitude will be less than the incident's amplitude. The transmitted amplitude will always be greater than the reflected amplitude.