Superposition of Waves Flashcards
1
Q
Generally, what is an interference?
A
When 2 waves come together
2
Q
What is a resultant wave?
A
The sum of each individual wave
3
Q
What happens to the resultant wave when there’s constructive interference?
A
The amplitude increases, combining the amplitudes of the 2 waves
4
Q
What do the waves need to be to have constructive interference?
A
The crests & trough have to overlap perfectly (in phase)
5
Q
What do the waves need to be to have destructive interference?
A
The crest of a wave meet the trough of another (out of phase)
AKA, 1/2 of a wavelength out of sync
6
Q
What happens to the resultant wave when there’s destructive interference?
A
The amplitude cancels out
