Light waves represented by coils

In summary, the sign of a reflected wave is determined by the difference in density between the two mediums it travels from and to. A wave with a positive amplitude traveling from a lighter density medium to a heavier one will reflect with a negative amplitude, similar to a string tied to a post. This principle also applies to connected springs, where a pulse sent from a lighter density spring to a heavier one will reflect back with opposite amplitude, while a pulse sent from a heavier density spring to a lighter one will reflect back with the same amplitude.
  • #1
phyzwiz69
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Thanks it makes a lot more sense now!
 
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  • #2
The sign of the reflected wave (up or down) depends on the mediums that it travels from & to. A wave with a positive amplitude that is traveling from a medium with light density (air) to a heavier density medium (water) will reflect with a negative amplitude.

This action is analogous to a string tied onto a post. The wave will be reflected with opposite amplitude.

Two springs that are connected will follow the same principle at the boundary between them.
A pulse sent from a light density spring to a heavy density spring will reflect back with an opposite amplitude.
A pulse sent from a thick density spring to a light density spring will reflect back with the same amplitude.
 

Related to Light waves represented by coils

1. What are light waves represented by coils?

Light waves represented by coils are a visual representation of the electromagnetic waves that make up visible light. They are depicted as a series of coils that represent the oscillating electric and magnetic fields of the wave.

2. How are light waves represented by coils used in science?

Light waves represented by coils are used in science to help explain and understand the properties of light. They can be used to demonstrate the wavelength, frequency, and direction of light waves and how they interact with different materials.

3. Can light waves represented by coils be seen in real life?

Light waves represented by coils cannot be seen in real life as they are simply a visual representation of the invisible electromagnetic waves that make up light. However, scientists use special equipment and techniques to capture images of these waves in order to study and understand them.

4. How are light waves represented by coils different from other wave representations?

Unlike other wave representations, such as sine waves or transverse waves, light waves represented by coils are specifically used to depict electromagnetic waves. They are also unique in that they show both the electric and magnetic components of the wave, whereas other representations may only show one or the other.

5. What is the significance of using coils to represent light waves?

The use of coils to represent light waves helps to demonstrate the wave-like nature of light and how it is a form of energy that travels through space. It also allows for the visualization of the different properties and behaviors of light waves, such as wavelength, frequency, and polarization.

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