Superposition
Main Concept
Superposition is the phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves traveling through the same medium interfere with each other. As the two waves pass through each other, the net displacement of the medium is the sum of the two individual displacements. Each wave maintains its integrity and does not permanently change shape.
There are two main types of interference:
Constructive interference occurs when the displacements of the individual waves occur in the same direction, and the resulting displacement is greater than that for each of the individual waves.
Destructive interference occurs when the displacements of the individual waves occur in different directions, and the resulting displacement is smaller than the larger of the individual displacements.
Adjust the phase shift of the two sine waves to see the resultant wave.
phase difference (degrees) =
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