Question:
Two wave pulses, one rectangular and other triangular, approach each other as shown in the figure below.
They overlap at the point P at time $t$. The diagram best representing the appearance of the wave pulses at a time $t' \gt t$ is
Two wave pulses, one rectangular and other triangular, approach each other as shown in the figure below.
They overlap at the point P at time $t$. The diagram best representing the appearance of the wave pulses at a time $t' \gt t$ is
They overlap at the point P at time $t$. The diagram best representing the appearance of the wave pulses at a time $t' \gt t$ is
Show Hint
Remember that wave pulses are not particles; they do not bounce off each other.
They pass through each other as if the other wave was not even there, keeping their original shape, speed, and orientation.
They pass through each other as if the other wave was not even there, keeping their original shape, speed, and orientation.
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
- [A]
- [B]
- [C]
- [D]
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the shape and position of two wave pulses (one rectangular, one triangular) traveling in opposite directions after they have crossed each other.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
We apply the Principle of Superposition for waves.
When wave pulses meet, they interfere, but after they pass through each other, they emerge completely unaltered in shape, size, and direction of travel.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
• Let us analyze the initial state:
- A rectangular pulse is on the left, above the reference line, traveling to the right.
- A triangular pulse is on the right, below the reference line, traveling to the left.
• At time $t$, they overlap at point P.
• At time $t' \gt t$, the pulses have completely crossed each other.
• Since waves do not affect each other's shape or velocity permanently:
- The rectangular pulse must continue to travel to the right, remaining above the reference line. It will now be to the right of point P.
- The triangular pulse must continue to travel to the left, remaining below the reference line. It will now be to the left of point P.
• Looking at the options:
- Option A correctly shows the triangular pulse on the left pointing downwards (moving left) and the rectangular pulse on the right pointing upwards (moving right).
Step 4: Final Answer:
The diagram representing the pulses at $t' \gt t$ is given by option A.
The question asks for the shape and position of two wave pulses (one rectangular, one triangular) traveling in opposite directions after they have crossed each other.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
We apply the Principle of Superposition for waves.
When wave pulses meet, they interfere, but after they pass through each other, they emerge completely unaltered in shape, size, and direction of travel.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
• Let us analyze the initial state:
- A rectangular pulse is on the left, above the reference line, traveling to the right.
- A triangular pulse is on the right, below the reference line, traveling to the left.
• At time $t$, they overlap at point P.
• At time $t' \gt t$, the pulses have completely crossed each other.
• Since waves do not affect each other's shape or velocity permanently:
- The rectangular pulse must continue to travel to the right, remaining above the reference line. It will now be to the right of point P.
- The triangular pulse must continue to travel to the left, remaining below the reference line. It will now be to the left of point P.
• Looking at the options:
- Option A correctly shows the triangular pulse on the left pointing downwards (moving left) and the rectangular pulse on the right pointing upwards (moving right).
Step 4: Final Answer:
The diagram representing the pulses at $t' \gt t$ is given by option A.
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