2.4 Superposition, Interference And Diffraction

Question 1

Principle of superposition

Answer 1

‘The principle of superposition states that the total resultant displacement of the medium at any point in space is given by the vector sum of the individual displacements’

Question 2

Standing wave

Answer 2

‘A wave in which no energy is transferred’

Question 3

Coherent

Answer 3

‘Constant phase difference, frequency and wavelength’

Question 4

Path difference

Answer 4

‘Difference In path distance travelled by two waves which meet at the same point in terms of ¥’
¥= lamda

Question 5

Monochromatic

Answer 5

‘Light of a single wavelength’

Question 6

Diffraction

Answer 6

‘The spreading of waves when they pass through an aperture/round an obstacle’

Question 7

Diffraction grating

Answer 7

‘A glass/perspex material with many parallel equally spaces opaque lines’

Question 8

Conditions required for a standing wave

Answer 8

-two waves of the same amplitude,speed and frequency overlap
-travelling in opposite directions
-superimpose

Question 9

Factors that affect the speed of sound

Answer 9

-air pressure
-temperature
-humidity
-altitude

Question 10

Diffraction grating equation

Answer 10

n¥=dsin@

Question 11

Diffraction is more prominent if….

Answer 11

1. The gap is made narrower
2. The wavelength is made longer

Question 12

Path difference equation

Answer 12

¥=ay/d