Topic 7: Superposition

Principle of superposition
The principle of superposition states that when two or more waves meet at a point, the
resultant displacement of the particle at that point will be the vector sum of the individual
displacement dueto each ofthe waves-

anti nodes
Stationary wave

comparison between progressive and sratiJnoj;swaves

Progressive waves
Particles in a single wavelength are allof All particles between 2 adjacent nodes
different phases. are in phase.

. Points A and B are in phase,

. Points A and B are n rad out of
phase with pdnts Cand D.
. Points A and B are in phase with
pojnts E and F.

Amplitude Same for all particles in the path of the Varies accordingto position - zero at the
nodes and maximum atthe anti-nodes.
Wavelength The distance between 2 particles which Double the distance between 2 adiacent
are adjacent and in phase. nodes / anti-nodes.
Advanr€s with wave velocity. Does not advance, There are times when
all points on the wave have zero
displacement.
Same forallpoints. same for allpoints.

llPas€
Formation of stationary waves

To form a stationary wave, there must first exist two progressive waves travelling in opposjte direciions
with the same frequency and amplitude. These two progressive waves can then superoose and form a
statjonary/ standing wave.

These 2 waves can eithercome from 2 coherent sources, or from l source being reflected offa surface,
There are 3 experiments which you have to be familiar with:

(a) microwave (EM wave i.e. transverse wave)

{b) stretched string {transverse wave)
(c) aircolumn (tongitud ina I wave)

2 Doints to help Vou in sketchinAthe stationary wave pattern when solvinR problems

{1) The point at which the progressive wave undergoes reflection is always a node- Or Any closed end
willalways result in a node being formed.

l2J An gnlr node will always form at the open pnd ol dn air rolumn.

Fundamental mode/First harmonics

This term is usually used to describe the basic stationary wave pattern that can be formed between two
fixed ends, two open ends or one open and fixed end.

CalculatinF the waveleneth of a stationarvwave

ldentifying two consecutive nodes or antinodes gives a distance corresponding to halfthe wavelength of
the stationary wave.

lherelore if the di5lance between two (onsecutrve nodes / antinoder is d,

Ptffraction

The bending and spreading olwaves when they meet obstructions orgaps. This is evidence that lisht is
wavelike ratherthan particulate in nature - particles do not diffract! (Re: wave-particle Duality section
in Quantum Physics chapter)

Diffraction is most observablewhen the wavelength is approximately the same size as the opening-
After diffraction, the wavelength of the waves do not chanse,

2lPaee
 Conditions f or observable interference:

(llWaves must be coherent, i.e. samefrequency, same wave'ength, same phase relationshipto each
other at alltimes.

(2) Waves must have approximately the same amplitude for near complete constructjve and destruc$ve
interference to occur.

(3) For transverse waves, they must either be unpolarized or polarized in the same plane.

Conditions for constructive and destructive interf erence:

Path differen.e Type ot interference at point of

Slanc
and S, srP - s,P
_ detection P __
I nlr
consiructive
e!l

i
0 rad,2n ra(
ad, -.,,2nn rad

Oul (jj'phas
e.g.
rad,3fi rad, ..., (2n+1)n rad
{n+%)I

{n+%)^
destructive

conslructive
'I

Young's double slit experiment

ln this well known experiment wh;ch demonstrated the wave nature of light, Thomas young directed a
beam ofmonochromatic light towards a single slit, followed by a double slit, then finally a projection

monochromatic light

single-slit projection

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Young observed a pattern of bright and dark fringes on the proiection screen.The brightfringes are
regions where constructive interference of li8ht occurred; the darkfringes are where destructive
interference of light occurred.

Fringe separation x {distance between 2 consecutive bright fringes or 2 consecutive darkfringes)

f----;--l
I"l
3 more experiments which demonstrate two-source interference which you have to be familiar with:

{a) using sound waves Note: in this experiment, you'll be using a microphone to detect
the regions of high and low intensities.

(b) using microwaves Note: you'll be usin8 a microwave detector to detect the regions
of high and low intensities.

{c} using light waves

Practice ouestions

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