application of stationary waves Flashcards
1
Q
how does interference occur?
A
when any two waves are superimposed on each other
2
Q
What is a coherent wave?
A
the two waves have the same frequency and wavelength as well as a fixed phase relation
3
Q
what is the usual fixed phase relation?
A
zero
4
Q
what is the path difference between the two waves?
A
the difference in length traveled by the waves to get to a certain point
5
Q
What will the structure of the waves be if the path difference is a multiple of a wavelength?
A
the waves will be in phase and we will have a constructive interference
path difference = n x wavelength
6
Q
What will the structure of the wave be if the path difference is a whole number + a wavelength?
A
the waves will be exactly out of phase and we will see a destructive interference
