Interference of Pulses on a Rope

Two short pulses travel toward each other on a taut rope. When they meet, the rope’s displacement is the sum of the individual pulse shapes, illustrating the principle of superposition. The wave speed is given by v = √(T/μ), linking tension and linear mass density.

Students can choose each pulse’s shape (Gaussian, triangle, half‑sine, full‑sine, square), its height (positive or negative) and its width, as well as the overall wave speed, simulation speed, and visual view (realistic rope or particle links). Buttons let them fire a pulse from the left, right, or both ends simultaneously, and the far end absorbs pulses without reflection.

By varying these parameters, learners observe how pulse shape and amplitude affect the interference pattern, confirm that pulses emerge unchanged after crossing, and connect the mathematical description y(x,t)=yL(x‑vt)+yR(x+vt) to the visual behaviour of waves on a string.