Interference of Waves

The principle of superposition

Two or more waves meet, the total displacement at any point is the vector sum of the displacements that each individual wave would cause at that point

Coherent wave

Two wave sources which are coherent have same frequency or have constant phase difference

Wave interference

The effect of superposition of two coherent waves

Constructive interference

Superposition of two waves of equal phase to produce waves with maximum amplitude

Destructive interference

Superposition of two different phases of waves (antiphase) produces a wave with zero amplitude

Peak meets peak yield higher peak (amplitude 2a)

The diagram shows the change of amplitude

Trough meets trough results in higher wave trough (amplitude -2a)

The diagram shows the change of trough

Peak and trough produce a wave with zero amplitude

Diagram shows collision of peak & trough during wave interference

Monochromatic light

Light with only one colour

Formula to calculate wavelength of lightwave

Physics

Question

Interference of Waves

Interference of Waves