Topic 16

SUPERPOSITION
PRINCIPLE OF SUPERPOSITION

EXPERIMENTS
GRAPHICAL METHODS

Objectives of lessons:
Explain and use the principle of superposition in simple applications

Show an understanding of experiments which demonstrate stationary waves using microwaves, stretched strings and air columns.

Explain the formation of a stationary wave using a graphical method, and identify nodes and antinodes.

Superposition of Waves
The principle of superposition may be applied to waves whenever two (or more) waves travelling through the same medium at the same time. The waves pass through each other without being disturbed. The net displacement of the medium at any point in space or time, is simply the sum of the individual wave displacements.

Superposition

Two waves travelling in the same direction:

Constructive and Destructive Interference

Principle of Superpositi on Simulation

Two waves travelling in the opposite direction:

Constructive and Destructive Interference

When two or more waves simultaneously and independently travel through the same medium at the same time, their effects are superpositioned. The result of that superposition is called interference. There are two types of interference: constructive and destructive. Constructive interference occurs when the wave amplitudes reinforce each other, building a wave of even greater amplitude. Constructive Destructive interference occurs when the wave amplitudes oppose each other, resulting in waves of reduced amplitude.
Destructive

= WAVE IN PHASE Constructive interference

Waves in antiphase

Destructive interference

When two identical waves travel through the same medium at the same time but in opposite directions, a standing wave is formed.
Within a standing wave, regions of constructive interference are called antinodes and regions of destructive interference are called nodes. This name is derived from the impression that the wave appears to be "standing still" since the nodes and antinodes are not being translated from one end of the medium to the other even though the wave's energy is continuously traveling "back and forth."

 http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/jw/strings.ht

ml

Links

Experiment:- Stretched String

video

fundamental frequency, fo L = 1 loop = lo

- A -

- A - N 1st overtone, f1 = 2fo L = 2 loops = l1

N- A- N -A- N- A- N
2nd overtone, f2 = 3fo L = 3 loops = 1.5 l2

Experiment:- Air columns

Standing wave in one close end and one open ended pipe

Standing wave in both open ended pipe

simulation

Question:The string at the right is 1.5 meters long and is vibrating as the first harmonic. The string vibrates up and down with 33 complete vibrational cycles in 10 seconds. Determine the frequency, period, wavelength and speed for this wave. Solution:Given: L = 1.5 m 33 cycles in 10 seconds So, f = (33 cycles) / (10 seconds) = 3.3 Hz T = 1 / (3.3 Hz) = 0.303 seconds l = 2 L = 2 (1.5 m) = 3.0 m The speed of a wave can be calculated from its wavelength and frequency using the wave equation: v = f l = (3.3 Hz) (3. 0 m) = 9.9 m/s

Questions:

1. A strectched wire of length 60.0 cm vibrates transversely. Waves travel along the wire at speed 210 m/s. Three antinodes can be found in the stationary waves formed in between the two ends of the wire. Determine a. the wavelength of the waves which move along the wire b. The frequency
Solution: l Antinodes

Other questions