Question

The principle of superposition is important to understanding the concept of interference. Explain this principle and be sure to include description of how constructive and destructive interference occurs. Additionally include information about whether (and how) overlapping waves affect each other.

Answer 1

Solution :

The superposition principle explains how waves that meet each other interact . When waves traveling in the same direction ,with the same amplitude , frequency and wavelength meet , the resulting wave will have its amplitude increased. If waves traveling in the opposite direction combine, the resulting wave will have a minimum amplitude.

This is given as the principle of superposition of waves. When waves interact , the resulting wave function is the sum of the individual wave functions .

The types of waves have to be similar ( identical) , that is, for example , water waves cannot interact with an electromagnetic wave , in this context .