A transverse wave travels from a heavier string segment to a lighter string segment. The two strings are joined smoothly and remain under the same tension. Which statement is correct?
Options

Question

A transverse wave travels from a heavier string segment to a lighter string segment. The two strings are joined smoothly and remain under the same tension. Which statement is correct?

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

For incidence from the heavier string to the lighter string, Z₁ > Z₂. The displacement reflection coefficient is Aᵣ/Aᵢ = (Z₁−Z₂)/(Z₁+Z₂). Therefore, Aᵣ/Aᵢ > 0. So the reflected displacement wave has no phase reversal. The junction must oscillate with one common frequency, so the transmitted frequency remains equal to the incident frequency. Correct option: B.