A transverse pulse travels along a stretched string and approaches a junction where the string is permanently knotted to a second string of different linear mass density. Careful measurements made well away from the junction give the following information:
• speed of the pulse in the first string: 10 m/s
• speed of the pulse in the second string: 6 m/s
Assume both strings are under the same constant tension so that no external forces act at the junction other than those transmitted through the strings.
(a) Identify which of the two strings constitutes the slower medium for the pulse and explain how the measured data support your choice.
(b) Determine whether the pulse reflected back into the first string at the junction will be inverted. Provide a qualitative justification based on the properties of the two media.
(c) Describe qualitatively how the energy of the incident pulse is divided between the reflected and transmitted pulses. In your answer, relate the relative amplitudes of the two pulses to the difference in wave speeds given above.