Particle Pulse Model of Waves
Particle Pulse Model of Waves
Research Result:
Students use the Particle Pulses model of waves to guide their understanding of sound waves.
Previous research by the Physics Education Research Group:
Students use the Particle Pulses model to describe the following:- Wave propagation:
Pulses move faster when you “put more force” into their creation (shaking your hand).
- Wave superposition:
Pulses “add” only when peaks are overlapping, otherwise the highest point due to either pulse gives the shape of the string.
- Wave reflection from a boundary:
Pulses “bounce” off a wall only when the peak reaches the wall.