The transverse-wave impedance of a string is for common tension . The density ratio four gives . Continuity of displacement and transverse force gives transmitted amplitude ratio . The power transmission coefficient includes the impedance ratio:The reflected fraction is , checking energy conservation. Squaring the displacement amplitude alone would give the wrong transmitted power.
Transmitted power Created 2026-10-25 Updated 2026-11-05
The energy flux carried into a transmitted wave, integrated over the relevant cross section. The power transmission coefficient compares this with incident power. A displacement or field-amplitude transmission coefficient must be converted with the appropriate wave impedances; its squared modulus alone need not be the power fraction. This distinction applies both to electromagnetic waves and transverse string waves.