BRAINCAKEInterference
For a stable interference pattern to form,two superpositioning waves must be coherent. Coherent waves have a constant phase difference. This means they must have the same frequencyWhen two waves travel different distances, the difference in the distance travelled is called the path differenceIf the path difference is a whole number of wavelengths, the waves will constructively interfere.
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Key terms in this lesson
- wavelength
- The minimum distance between two points on a wave that are in phase, such as from one peak to the next.
- phase difference
- The difference in phase, measured in degrees or radians, between two oscillating particles or waves.
- constructive interference
- Interference in which two waves that are in phase combine to produce a wave of increased amplitude.
- destructive interference
- Interference in which two waves that are in antiphase combine to produce a wave of reduced or zero amplitude.