9.2P6

In our analysis of pulses and waves on elastic strings, we use a variety of representations, each of which carry information about the system in a different way. Some of these are: real physical objects, videos, diagrams, graphs, and equations. Occasionally, figuring out how information is contained in one of these is hard and it seems like having an extra representation causes difficulties rather than clarifies things. Say whether multiple representations has been helpful or confusing for you in studying this physical phenomenon and give an explicit example illustrating your point. (You may want to use example diagrams or equations in your discussion.) Note: This is an essay question. Your answer will be judged not solely on its correctness, but for its depth, coherence, and clarity.

Joe Redish 8/16/12