Superposition

Subdecks (1)

Cards (12)

  • The Principle of Superposition states that:
    When 2 waves meet at a point the resultant displacement of the waves at that point is equal to the sum of displacements of each of the individual waves

    The result wave is formed from the effect of interference
  • Two waves are coherent when they are emitted from a constant and unchanging phase difference
    They must have the same frequency
  • Path difference is the difference in displacement of 2 waves in terms of wavelenghts
  • Interference is the superposition of coherent waves
  • Coherent - Two waves are coherent when they have a constant phase difference
    Phase difference - the difference in the displacements of two particles along a wave
    x/Lander * 360
  • Constructive Interference (maxima) - both coherent waves reach at maximum displacement
    Conditions:
    The two coherent waves must have a phase difference of 0 degrees or 360 degrees
    Path difference between the two waves is a multiple of the wavelength n*lander
  • Destructive Interference (Minima) - Both coherent waves reach at minimum displacement
    Conditions:
    The two coherent waves must have phase difference of 180 degrees - must be in antiphase
    Path difference between the two waves is (n+1/2) *lander