Superposition definitions

Question 1

The principle of superposition

Answer 1

When two or more waves of the same kind meet at a point in space, the resultant displacement at that point is equal to the vector sum of the displacements of the individual waves at that point

Question 2

Stationary wave

Answer 2

The result of the superposition of two progressive waves of the same type, frequency, amplitude and speed, travelling along the same line but in opposite directions

Question 3

Antinode

Answer 3

A point in a stationary wave where the amplitude is maximum

Question 4

Node

Answer 4

A point in a stationary wave where the amplitude is zero

Question 5

Coherent

Answer 5

Waves that have a constant phase difference

Question 6

Interference

Answer 6

The superposition of two or more waves to give a resultant wave whose resultant amplitude is given by the principle of superposition

Question 7

Constructive interference

Answer 7

When two coherent waves arrive at the same point with a phase difference of zero to produce a maximum

Question 8

Destructive interference

Answer 8

When two coherent waves arrive at the same point with a phase difference of pi rad to produce a minimum

Question 9

Path difference

Answer 9

The difference in distance that each wave travels from its source to the point where they meet

Question 10

Rayleigh criterion

Answer 10

Two images are just resolved by an aperture when the central maximum of the diffraction pattern of one image falls on the minimum of the diffraction pattern of the other image