Propagating Waves

frequency ω

wavelength λ

reflection coefficient Γ

time

A sinusoidal incident wave, shown in black, impinges on a barrier at

x=0

. This results in a reflected wave (red) and a transmitted wave (blue), with relative amplitudes determined by a reflection coefficient

Γ

. You can also control the angular frequency

ω

and the wavelength

λ

with sliders. The propagation velocity of the wave is given by

c=ωλ/2π

.

Andrea Passaglia