Wave Interference and Superposition

Flashcards covering wave interference and the principle of superposition based on lecture notes.

What is wave interference?

Wave interference occurs when two or more waves act simultaneously on the same particles of a medium, resulting in a new displacement.

What does the Principle of Superposition state regarding resultant displacement?

The Principle of Superposition states that the resultant displacement of a given particle is equal to the sum of the displacements that would have been produced by each wave independently.

According to the Principle of Superposition, how are individual displacements treated when determining the resultant displacement?

Individual displacements may be positive (+) or negative (-) and are summed to find the resultant displacement.

If Pulse A moves point P upward by 2mm and Pulse B also moves point P upward by 2mm, what type of interference is occurring?

Constructive interference is occurring.