Reflection of a Pulse at a Free End

Let's assume a pulse moving by a medium - perhaps by a rope or a slinky. What happens to the pulse while it reaches the end of in which medium? The answer depends on whether the medium is fixed within space or free to move at its end. For instance, if the pulse is moving by a rope and the end of the rope is held firmly through a person, then it could be said in which the pulse is approaching a fixed end. Instead, if the end of the rope is lying on the floor such in which it is free to move up or down while the pulse reaches its end, then it could be said in which the pulse is approaching a free end.