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Topic 16 Superposition: Principle of Superposition Experiments Graphical Methods

The document discusses the principle of superposition and how it applies to waves. It explains that when two or more waves travel through the same medium at the same time, their effects are superimposed such that the net displacement at any point is the sum of the individual wave displacements. This can result in constructive or destructive interference depending on whether the wave amplitudes reinforce or oppose each other. Standing waves form when two identical waves travel in opposite directions through a medium, creating regions of constructive and destructive interference called antinodes and nodes. Experiments are described that demonstrate standing waves using stretched strings, air columns, and microwaves.

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Pathmanathan Nadeson
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391 views19 pages

Topic 16 Superposition: Principle of Superposition Experiments Graphical Methods

The document discusses the principle of superposition and how it applies to waves. It explains that when two or more waves travel through the same medium at the same time, their effects are superimposed such that the net displacement at any point is the sum of the individual wave displacements. This can result in constructive or destructive interference depending on whether the wave amplitudes reinforce or oppose each other. Standing waves form when two identical waves travel in opposite directions through a medium, creating regions of constructive and destructive interference called antinodes and nodes. Experiments are described that demonstrate standing waves using stretched strings, air columns, and microwaves.

Uploaded by

Pathmanathan Nadeson
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© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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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

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