12.1 Flashcards
What is the principle of superposition of waves
• When two similar types of waves meet at a point, the resultant displacement at that point is equal to the vector sum of the individual displacements of the waves
What does superpose mean
When two waves overlap
What is constructive interference
When two waves are in phase then the max positive displacement creates a resultant displacement w/ greater amplitude
Why does constructive interference cause a brighter light / louder sound
Intensity = amplitude^2
What is destructive interference
• Superposition of two waves in antiphase so that the waves cancel each other out and the resultant wave has smaller amplitude than the original waves
What is interference
- Superposition of two progressive waves from coherent sources to produce a resultant wave
- Resultant wave has displacement equal to sum of individual displacements from the waves
- Interference is the effect/pattern that is observed upon wave superposition
What are coherent wave sources
- Coherent wave sources are those that maintain a constant phase difference at a given point, throughout time
- Coherent wave sources are those that have the same frequency