Wave Interference

Question 1

State the principle of superposition

Answer 1

When 2 or more waves meet at a point the resultant displacement is the sum of the displacements of the individual waves

Question 2

Define phase difference

Answer 2

The difference in displacement of particles along a wave or 2 different waves

Question 3

Define path difference

Answer 3

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

Question 4

State how a stationary wave is formed

Answer 4

-Formed when two waves (with similar wavelengths, frequencies and amplitudes)
-travel in opposite directions along the same line and interfere with each other, -producing nodes and antinodes

Question 5

State what a node is and how they are formed on stationary waves

Answer 5

• Node: point of zero amplitude on a wave
  -formed when two waves travelling in opposite directions destructively interfere

Question 6

State what an antinode is and how they are formed on stationary waves

Answer 6

-Antinode: point of maximum amplitude
-Formed when two waves travelling in opposite directions destructively interfere

Question 7

What is meant by the fundamental node of vibration

Answer 7

The oscillation of a wave at its natural frequency