Saturday 12 June 2010

Interference of Waves

Interference of Waves:

In physics, interference is the addition (superposition) of two or more waves that result in a new wave pattern.

Interference usually refers to the interaction of waves which are correlated or coherent with each other, either because they come from the same source or because they have the same or nearly the same frequency.

Constructive Interference:

During the time when one wave passes through another we say that the waves interfere. It is really not correct to say that the waves collide or hit, although this is often how such an interaction is termed.

When the crest of one wave passes through, or is super positioned upon, the crest of another wave, we say that the waves constructively interfere. Constructive interference also occurs when the trough of one wave is super positioned upon the trough of another wave.











Destructive Interference:

During the time when one wave passes through another we say that the waves interfere. It is really not correct to say that the waves collide or hit, although this is often how such an interaction is termed.

When the crest of one wave passes through, or is super imposed upon, the trough of another wave, we say that the waves destructively interfere.












Superposition:

In physics and systems theory, the superposition principle, also known as superposition property, states that, for all linear systems.