We have discussed waves traveling through a uniform medium. We now consider how a
traveling wave is affected when it encounters a change in the medium. For example,
consider a pulse traveling on a string that is rigidly attached to a support at one end as
in Figure 16.14. When the pulse reaches the support, a severe change in the medium
occurs—the string ends. The result of this change is that the pulse undergoes reflection—
that is, the pulse moves back along the string in the opposite direction.
Note that the reflected pulse is inverted. This inversion can be explained as follows.
When the pulse reaches the fixed end of the string, the string produces an upward
force on the support. By Newton’s third law, the support must exert an equalmagnitude
and oppositely directed (downward) reaction force on the string. This
downward force causes the pulse to invert upon reflection.
Now consider another case: this time, the pulse arrives at the end of a string that is
free to move vertically, as in Figure 16.15. The tension at the free end is maintained because
the string is tied to a ring of negligible mass that is free to slide vertically on a
smooth post without friction. Again, the pulse is reflected, but this time it is not inverted.
When it reaches the post, the pulse exerts a force on the free end of the string,
causing the ring to accelerate upward. The ring rises as high as the incoming pulse,