What is the Difference Between Pulse and Wave?

The main difference between a pulse and a wave is that a wave is a continuous disturbance caused by an oscillating particle in a medium, while a pulse is a non-continuous disturbance that occurs during a very short time. Here are some key differences between the two:

• Continuous vs. Non-continuous: Waves are continuous disturbances, meaning they can travel through a medium without interruption for extended periods. Pulses, on the other hand, are non-continuous disturbances that are typically short-lived and do not extend over long distances.
• Energy Transfer: Waves cause the transfer of energy through space, while pulses are often the result of a single vibration sent through a medium.
• Time-Space Confined: Pulses are more time-space confined, meaning they have a finite extent in space and time. Waves, on the other hand, are more spreading states that can continue for several cycles.
• Disturbance: A pulse refers to a one-time disturbance that travels through a medium, while a wave refers to a disturbance or variation that travels through the medium.

In summary, while both waves and pulses are disturbances in a medium, waves are continuous and can transfer energy over long distances, whereas pulses are short-lived and do not extend over long distances.

Comparative Table: Pulse vs Wave

The main difference between a pulse and a wave lies in the way they disrupt a medium. Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences:

In summary, a pulse is a single, discreet disturbance that travels through a medium, while a wave is a continuous disturbance with multiple pulses repeated at regular intervals. Waves have characteristics such as frequency, amplitude, and phase, while pulses are characterized by their initial disturbance and duration.