Wave Interference

Question 1

Wave-front

Answer 1

Shape of wave

Question 2

Principle of Superposition

Answer 2

When two or more waves travel through the same medium simultaneously

the resultant displacement at any point is the vector sum of the displacement due to the individual waves

Question 3

Constructive Interference.

Answer 3

Occurs when maxima of two waves add together (the two waves are in phase), so amplitude of resulting wave is equal to the sum of the individual amplitudes (waves amplitudes add together)

Creates maximum displacement

Question 4

Destructive Interference

Answer 4

Occurs when maxima of two waves are 180 degrees out of phase: a positive displacement of one wave is cancelled exactly by a negative displacement of the other wave

Creates minimum displacement

Question 5

Interference

Answer 5

Only occur when the wave sources are coherent - have same frequency and a fixed phase relationship

Question 6

Examples of superposition

Answer 6

loud and soft sound

light and dark fringes