Free+Boundary

By: Ed Matta At a free boundary, waves are reflected. For example, when a pulse travels down a rope whose end is free to slide up the post, the pulse is reflected from the free end.



The boundary of a medium is where the medium begins or ends. It is the interface between a medium and its surroundings. When a boundary is free, it is “free” to move independently of its surroundings. For example, the end of a rope (the rope is a medium) is free if it is not rigidly fixed in place. When a wave reaches a free boundary it is reflected. The reflected wave is in phase (not inverted) relative to the incident wave.
 * Free Boundary **