BRAINCAKEsuperposition
When two waves of the same type meet, they pass through each other. When the waves overlap or superposethey produce a single wave whose displacement at each point is the vector sum of the displacement of the individual waves. This effect is called interference. Constructive interference occurs when the two waves are in phase.
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Key terms in this lesson
- displacement
- The distance an object has moved in a straight line from its starting point, in a particular direction.
- amplitude
- The maximum displacement of a particle or wave from its equilibrium position.
- intensity
- The radiant power passing through a surface per unit area.