Superposition

Question 1

What is the law of superposition

Answer 1

The law of superposition states that when two or more waves of the same kind meet at a point in space, their resultant displacement of that point is equal to the vector sum of the displacements of the individual waves at that point

Question 2

Define a stationary wave

Answer 2

A stationary wave results from the superposition of two progressive waves of the same frequency, amplitude and speed, Travelling along the same line but in opposite directions

Question 3

Name three differences between stationary waves and progressive waves

Answer 3

Progressive waves propagate with the velocity of a wave while stationary waves do not propagate

Progressive waves transports energy while stationary waves do not.

The particles in a progressive wave vibrate with the same amplitude while the maximum amplitude of particles in a stationary can range from 0 to max.

Question 4

What is diffreaction

Answer 4

Diffraction is the bending of waves after passing through an aperture or round obstacle

Question 5

What is coherence

Answer 5

Waves or sources are said to be coherent if they have a constant phase difference

-> implying same frequency

Question 6

What is interference

Answer 6

Interference is the superposition of 2 or more coherent waves to give a resultant wave whose resultant amplitude is given by principle of superposition

Question 7

What is path difference

Answer 7

Path difference is the differences in distances that each wave travels from its source to the point where the two waves meet