Save
AQA A-Level Physics
3. Waves
3.3 Principle of superposition of waves and formation of stationary waves
Save
Share
Learn
Content
Leaderboard
Share
Learn
Cards (30)
What is the principle of superposition of waves?
Displacements of waves add
What happens to the amplitude in constructive interference?
Increases
What is the effect on wave intensity during destructive interference?
Decreases
The principle of superposition of waves results in interference, which can be constructive or
destructive
Constructive interference occurs when the crests and troughs of
waves
align.
True
Stationary waves form when two progressive waves with the same frequency and amplitude travel in
opposite
directions.
What conditions are necessary for the formation of stationary waves?
Same frequency and amplitude
The principle of superposition of waves states that when two or more waves meet, their displacements add
together
Constructive interference occurs when waves add together, resulting in a larger
amplitude
.
True
Destructive interference leads to a decrease in wave intensity.
True
Match the term with its description:
Nodes ↔️ Points of no displacement
Antinodes ↔️ Points of maximum displacement
In closed tubes, only odd harmonics can form because one end is a node.
True
What type of interference results in nodes in stationary waves?
Destructive
In acoustic instruments, stationary sound waves form resonant
frequencies
The length of a guitar string determines the frequencies at which stationary waves form to produce distinct musical notes.
True
The principle of superposition of waves states that when two or more waves meet, their displacements add
together
Destructive interference occurs when the crest of one wave meets the crest of another.
False
Steps for wave interference according to the superposition principle:
1️⃣ Two or more waves meet
2️⃣ Their displacements add together
3️⃣ Constructive or destructive interference occurs
What are the two types of interference that result from the superposition principle?
Constructive and destructive
What determines whether waves reinforce or cancel each other out in interference?
Relative phases
What are nodes in a stationary wave?
Points of no displacement
Match the type of tube with its wave characteristics:
Open tube ↔️ Both ends are antinodes
Closed tube ↔️ One end is a node
What are the two types of wave interference resulting from the principle of superposition?
Constructive and destructive
Destructive interference occurs when the crest of one wave meets the trough of another, resulting in a smaller
amplitude
What conditions are required for the formation of stationary waves?
Same frequency, opposite direction
In open tubes, both ends are
antinodes
Why do open tubes allow multiple harmonics to form?
Both ends are antinodes
Antinodes in stationary waves are points of maximum displacement due to constructive interference.
True
How do stationary waves heat food in microwave ovens?
Resonant absorption
In optical cavities, stationary waves amplify laser
light
See similar decks
3.3 Principle of superposition of waves and formation of stationary waves
2024-25 AQA A-Level Physics > 3. Waves
78 cards
3.3 Principle of superposition of waves and formation of stationary waves
AQA A-Level Physics > 3. Waves
48 cards
3.3 Principle of superposition of waves and formation of stationary waves
AQA A-Level Physics > 3. Waves
48 cards
3.3 Principle of superposition of waves and formation of stationary waves
2024-25 AQA A-Level Physics > 3. Waves
78 cards
4.3. Stationary Waves
Edexcel A-Level Physics > 4. Waves and Particle Nature of Light
41 cards
3.1 Progressive waves
AQA A-Level Physics > 3. Waves
81 cards
4.4.2 Wave Equation
OCR A-Level Physics > Module 4: Electrons, Waves, and Photons > 4.4 Waves
40 cards
3. Waves
AQA A-Level Physics
469 cards
4.4.1 Wave Properties
OCR A-Level Physics > Module 4: Electrons, Waves, and Photons > 4.4 Waves
36 cards
3.2 Longitudinal and transverse waves
AQA A-Level Physics > 3. Waves
44 cards
6.2 Electromagnetic Waves
GCSE Physics > Unit 6: Waves
88 cards
4.4 Waves
OCR A-Level Physics > Module 4: Electrons, Waves, and Photons
213 cards
3.1 Progressive waves
2024-25 AQA A-Level Physics > 3. Waves
67 cards
4.4.3 Superposition and Interference
OCR A-Level Physics > Module 4: Electrons, Waves, and Photons > 4.4 Waves
48 cards
3.8 Interference
AQA A-Level Physics > 3. Waves
53 cards
3. Waves
2024-25 AQA A-Level Physics
610 cards
6.2.2 Properties of Electromagnetic Waves
GCSE Physics > Unit 6: Waves > 6.2 Electromagnetic Waves
43 cards
6.3.3 Sound Waves
GCSE Physics > Unit 6: Waves > 6.3 Light and Sound Waves
62 cards
3.7 Diffraction
AQA A-Level Physics > 3. Waves
41 cards
3.5 Coherence
AQA A-Level Physics > 3. Waves
71 cards
6.2 Electromagnetic Waves
AQA GCSE Physics > Unit 6: Waves
103 cards