superposition of waves and formation of stationary waves

what is superposition

where the displacements of two waves are combined as they pass each other, the resultant displacement is the vector sum of each wave’s displacement

what are the two types of interference that can occur during superposition

• constructive interference

• destructive interference

what is constructive interference

when 2 waves have displacement in the same direction

what is destructive interference

when one wave has positive displacement and the other has negative displacement, if the waves have equal but opposite displacements, total destructive interference occurs

when is a stationary wave formed

the superposition of 2 progressive waves, travelling in opposite directions in the same plane, with the same frequency, wavelength and amplitude

how much is transferred by a stationary wave

0

what happens when wave meet in phase

constructive interference occurs so antinodes are formed (max amplitude)

what happens when two waves meet out of phase

destructive interference → nodes are formed

what is a good example of a stationary wave forming

A string fixed at one end, and fixed to a driving oscillator

what is the first harmonic

when the lowest frequency at which a stationary wave forms

what is a distance between adjacent nodes called

half a wavelength

what are examples of stationary waves

• stationary microwaves

• stationary sound waves

how can stationary microwaves form

by reflecting a microwave beam at a metal plate

what is the equation for the first harmonic

f = 1/2l (sqrt T/μ)

how can stationary sound waves be formed

by placing a speaker at one end of a closed glass tube, lay powder across the bottom of the tube, it will be shaken at the antinodes and settle at the nodes