Superposition

Question 1

what does it mean when waves superpose ?

Answer 1

when waves meet they can pass through each other, their displacement combines as they do so, the waves superpose as they combine.

Question 2

Principle of superposition

Answer 2

when two waves meet, the total displacement at any point is equal to the sum of the individual displacement of the waves at that point (a + a = 2a (w1 + w2))

Question 3

what happens when crests and troughs meet troughs and crests and what kind of superposition is it ?

Answer 3

crest (a) + crest (a) - resultant amplitude = 2a constructive
trough (a) + trough (a) - resultant amplitude = 2a constructive
crest (a) + trough (a) - resultant amplitude = 0 destructive