Module 4- Superposition, Phase/Path difference, Interference, Stationary waves

What is superposition?

When two waves interact, the resultant displacement is the vector sum of individual displacements

What does it mean when two waves are coherent?

When two waves have a constant phase difference

What is path difference?

What are the two conditions for constructive interference?

0 degrees phase difference, path difference is a multiple of the wavelength

What is path difference?

The difference in the distance travelled by two waves from their sources to a specific point where they meet

What are the two conditions for destructive interference?

The phase difference must be 180 degrees, the path difference must be (n+1/2)x wavelength

When are stationary waves formed?

When two waves with the same frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions, and interfere to create nodes and antinodes

What is a node?

A point of zero amplitude

What is an antinode?

A point of maximum amplitude

What is the difference between progressive and stationary waves?

Only progressive waves transfer energy, amplitude varies along a stationary wave

What is the distance between two adjacent nodes equal to in a stationary wave?

HALF the wavelength

What are harmonics?

The specific frequencies that create stationary waves