Chapter 12 - Waves 2 Flashcards
What is the principle of superposition
“The principle of superposition states that when 2 waves meet at a point, the resultant displacement at that point is equal to the sum of the displacements of the individual waves”
What is constructive interference
Where 2 waves superpose and are in phase and the resultant displacement is greater than the original wave
What is destructive interference
Where two waves superpose not in phase and the resultant wave has a smaller displacement than the individual waves
What are the conditions required for a constant interference pattern
and how can we remember if path or phase
- constant phase difference
- same frequency
h in coherent therefore h in phase
What happens when two waves interfere
- there are maxima where 2 waves constructively interfere
- there are minima where 2 waves destructively interfere
- maxima and minima are caused by 2 waves having different path differences by travelling different distances from their source
What are the conditions in terms of path and phase difference for waves to constructively interfere
where n is an integer:
- the path difference must be n(lambda)
- the phase difference must be 2Pi(n)
I.e the waves are in phase, there is a whole wavelength or phase separating them
What are the conditions in terms of path and phase difference for waves to destructively interfere
Where n is an integer - path difference = (n +1/2) x (lambda) - the phase difference is (2n+1)(pi) I.e. the waves are not in phase They are in antiphase
Describe an experiment to test for interference from sound
- play a sound of set frequency through 2 identical and parallel speakers
- record the intensity of the sound using a microphone as you move across the front of the speakers in a straight line
How to test for interference in microwaves and deduce wavelength
- set up 2 signal generators producing waves of constant frequency which are coherent
- move an oscilloscope across the front of the experiment and find where the first order maxima is
- measure distance from centre of first slit to first order maxima
- measure distance from centre of second slit to first order maxima
- the difference should be equal to wavelength
- repeat for other maxima and take an average
What was the importance of the evidence created by Young’s double slit experiment
- it proved the wave-like nature of light rather than particles
- if particles you would expect no diffraction thus only two bright marks directly in front of slits
- this is not what was observed
- interference patterns were observed
How to set up Young’s double slit experiment
- 2 coherent waves are required for an interference pattern
- a monochromatic light source is shone through a double slit
- onto a screen
- the monochromatic light source can be formed using a filter and a single slit
What is the formula for a double slit experiment
Lambda = ax/d Lambda is wavelength a is the slit separation x is the distance between maxima d is the distance of the screen from the slits
How does a stationary wave form
- when 2 waves of the same frequency move in opposite directions repeatedly and superpose
- they should ideally be of equal amplitude
Where are nodes and antinodes formed
- nodes are formed when the 2 waves are in antiphase and cancel out to form a stationary point of 0 amplitude
- antinodes are formed when the 2 waves are in phase and give a point of max amplitude
How to derive wavelength from a stationary wave
The wavelength is equal to twice the distance between adjacent nodes
What energy transfer occurs in a stationary wave
There is no net energy transfer, only storage of energy