Superpositions

Question 1

rayleighs criterion

Answer 1

the limit for which 2 sources of light can be just distinguished is when the first minimum of the diffraction pattern of one source coincides with the central maximum of the diffraction pattern of the other source

Question 2

diffraction

Answer 2

the spreading of a wave into the geometric shadow when it passes through a slit or past an edge of an obstacle

Question 3

coherent waves

Answer 3

there’s constant phase difference between the waves

Question 4

principle of superposition

Answer 4

when 2 or more waves meet and overlap, the resultant displacement is the vector sum of the displacement of each individual wave

Question 5

how is stationary wave formed

Answer 5

incident wave is reflected such that incident and reflected waves are of same type, amplitude, frequency, wavelength speed. incident and reflected waves travel in opposite directions towards each other and overlap and superimpose across the same length