Superposition

Question 1

Principle of Superposition

Answer 1

When two or more waves of the same kind meet at a point in space, the resultant displacement at that point is equal to the vector sum of the displacements of the individual waves at that point

Question 2

Stationary Wave

Answer 2

It is the result of the superposition of two progressive waves of the same type, frequency, amplitude and speed, travelling along the same line but in opposite directions

Question 3

Antinode

Answer 3

A point in the stationary wave where the amplitude of the wave is the maximum

Question 4

Node

Answer 4

A point in the stationary wave where the amplitude of the wave is zero

Question 5

Diffraction

Answer 5

The bending of waves after passing around an obstacle

Question 6

Coherence

Answer 6

Waves are coherent/exhibit coherence when they have constant phase difference

Question 7

Interference

Answer 7

The superposition of two or more waves to give a resultant wave whose resultant amplitude is given by the principle of superposition.

Question 8

Constructive interference

Answer 8

Two coherent waves arrive at the same point with a phase difference of zero to produce a maximum

Question 9

Destructive Interference

Answer 9

Two coherent waves arrive at the same point with a phase difference of pi to produce a minimum

Question 10

Path Difference

Answer 10

The difference in distance that each wave travels from its source to the point where they meet

Question 11

Rayleigh Criterion

Answer 11

Two images are just resolved by an aperture when the central maximum of the diffraction pattern of the first image falls on the first minimum of the diffraction pattern of the second image