12.1-12.3 Superposition Interference Quizlet Cards Flashcards
What is the principle of superposition
When two waves meet at a point the resultant displacement is the (vector) sum of the displacements of the individual waves.
What is
What is constructive interference?
When two waves superpose in phase causing an increase amplitude.
What is destructive interference?
When two waves superpose in antiphase causing a decreased amplitude.
What are coherent sources of waves?
Sources that emit waves with a constant phase difference (and the same frequency).
What is an interference pattern?
A pattern of regions of constructive and destructive interference produced by coherent sources of waves.
What path difference is required for waves to be in phase?
A whole number of wavelengths
What path difference is required for waves to be in anti-phase?
An odd number of half wavelengths
What is the relationship between path difference and phase difference for coherent sources?
(Path difference/wavelength) x 2π
What term describes a phase difference of zero between two waves?
In phase
What term describes a phase difference of π radians between two waves?
In antiphase
What is x in the double slit equation (λ = ax/D)?
Fringe seperation
What is D in the double slit equation (λ = ax/D)?
Distance between the double slits and the screen
What is a in the double slit equation (λ = ax/D)?
Distance between the double slits
What occurs to cause a dark fringe in the double slit experiment?
Destructive interference of the light from each slit
What occurs to cause a bright fringe in the double slit experiment?
Constructive interference of the light from each slit
