Superposition

Question 1

State the principle of superpostion

Answer 1

When waves meet, the actual displacement is the vector sum of separate displacements of the individual waves, and each wave proceeds as though no other waves exist

Question 2

What is interference?

Answer 2

It is the result of superposition of wavetrains from a finite number of coherent sources.

Question 3

What are coherent sources?

Answer 3

Are sources that have a constant phase difference.

Question 4

Define diffraction

Answer 4

It is the spreading of waves when they pass through an opening or around an obstacle.

Question 5

What is the equation indicating the position of the first minimum?

Answer 5

sin θ= λ/b

Question 6

What is Rayleigh’s criterion?

Answer 6

It says the images of 2 point sources can just be distinguished from each other if the central maximum of one diffraction pattern falls on the first minimum of the other one.

Question 7

What is the equation associated with Rayleigh’s criterion?

Answer 7

θ =λ/b