interference patters

What does “coherence” mean?

Having the same frequency and wavelength with a constant phase difference.

What is “superposition”?

The adding together of wave displacements when two coherent waves overlap, producing an interference pattern.

What is “interference”?

When two or more waves overlap and combine to form a new wave pattern with altered amplitudes.

What is constructive interference?

When two waves are in phase (crest to crest or trough to trough); resulting amplitude is greater.

What is destructive interference?

When two waves are anti-phase (crest to trough); the resulting amplitude is smaller or cancels out.

What is diffraction?

The bending and spreading of waves as they pass through a narrow gap or around an obstacle.

What happens when waves meet in phase during diffraction?

Constructive interference — larger amplitude and bright spots (maximum intensity).

What happens when waves meet anti-phase during diffraction?

Destructive interference — waves cancel, forming dark spots (minimum intensity).

What is path difference?

The difference in distance traveled by two waves from their sources to a common point