3 - Superposition

Question 1

What is the principle of superposition?

Answer 1

Principle of superposition = When multiple waves are present at the same point at the same time, the net displacement of the medium at that point is the sum of the displacements due to each individual wave.

Question 2

What is a standing wave?

Answer 2

Standing wave = the superposition of two sinusoidal waves with identical amplitude and frequency travelling in opposite directions.

Question 3

What happens when two sinusoidal waves overlap in a medium?

Answer 3

A standing wave can be created

Question 4

At zero displacement will there be a node or antinode?

Answer 4

Node

Question 5

At maximum displacement will there be a node or antinode?

Answer 5

Antinode

Question 6

What is the maximum amplitude of a standing wave?

Answer 6

double that of the underlying waves.

Question 7

What is the spacing between two adjacent nodes?

Answer 7

half the wavelength

Question 8

What phase shift is inversion equivalent to?

Answer 8

half a cycle (π)

Question 9

What happens to a standing wave at a fixed endpoint?

Answer 9

a wave is completely reflected and inverted with respect to the incident wave.

Question 10

What does the integer m match in standing wave patterns?

Answer 10

number of antinodes

Question 11

What does the second overtone mean?

Answer 11

m=3

Question 12

What can two sinusoidal sound waves travelling in opposite directions form?

Answer 12

longitudinal standing wave

Question 13

When is the equation: 2d=mλ/n used?

Answer 13

constructive - 0 or 2 phase shifts

destructive - 1 phase shift

Question 14

When is the equation: 2d=(m-1/2)λ/n used?

Answer 14

constructive - 1 phase shift

destructive - 0 or 2 phase shifts

Question 15

What type of interference is reflection?

Answer 15

constructive

Question 16

What type of interference is anti-reflection?

Answer 16

destructive