Teaching Physics with the Physics Suite

Edward F. Redish

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Reflecting on a textbook error

The figure at right is taken from the first edition of a popular standard textbook. In the first column is shown a pulse approaching and reflecting from a fixed end. In the second column is shown a pulse approaching and reflecting from a free end (ring sliding on a frictionless rod). At least six (6!) of the figures are incorrect. State which and explain why. (Hint: The second edition of the book fixed most of the problems by making the pulses symmetric.)


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Page last modified October 31, 2002: O32