Module 4 - 4.4.3 Superposition

Question 1

Principle of Superposition

Answer 1

The displacement at a point where two waves meet is equal to the sum of the displacement of the two waves

Question 2

Constructive Interference (+ Path Difference)

Answer 2

When waves are in phase, the amplitude of the point will be the sum of the amplitude of the individual waves
Path difference = Nλ

Question 3

Destructive Interference

Answer 3

When waves are 180 out of phase, the amplitude of the point will be minimum (zero if the waves have the same amplitude)
Path difference = (N-0.5)λ

Question 4

Path Difference

Answer 4

The difference in the distances travelled by two waves arriving at the same point

Question 5

Phase Difference

Answer 5

The difference in the phases of two waves of the same frequency

Question 6

Coherent

Answer 6

Constant phase difference

Question 7

Young’s Double Slit Experiment

Answer 7

• light waves reach the single slit and diffraction occurs as the width of the slits it comparable to the wavelength of light
• after passing through the slits, the diffracted waves overlap and interfere
• the waves will reach the screen. where they arrive in phase, there will be light fringes, and where they arrive out of phase, there will be no light - it will appear dark

Question 8

Interference with Sound Waves

Answer 8

• constructive interference = louder sound
• destructive interference = no sound

Question 9

Increasing the number of slits

Answer 9

Improves the brightness and sharpness of maxima