Interference of Waves

Principle of Superposition
The principle of superposition states that where two or more waves meet, the total displacement at any point is
the vector sum of the displacements that each individual wave would cause at that point.

Coherent Wave

Two wave sources which are coherent have same frequency or have constant phase difference.

Interference

1.The effect of superposition of two coherent waves in interference.

2.Interference is a phenomenon of wave caused by the superposition of 2 or more coherent waves.
3.The effect of interference can be studied using a ripple tank. Two dippers are used to produce two sources of
coherent waves.
4.Figure 3 shows the interference pattern observed.
5.Interference can be constructive or destructive.
Constructive Interference and Anti-node

1. In the interference of 2 waves, there are places where the 2 waves are always in phase (same phase) and the
superposition of the waves produces oscillation with maximum amplitude. This is called the constructive
interference.
2. A place where constructive interference occurs is called the anti-node.

Destructive Interference and Node

1. In the interference of 2 waves, there are also places where the 2 waves are always anti-phase (phase difference
= 180°) and the superposition of the waves produces oscillation with minimum amplitude. This is called the
destructive interference.
2. A place where destructive interference occurs is called the node.
Wave Pattern Interference
Nodal Line and Anti-nodal Line

1. An anti-node is a point of maximum amplitude where constructive interference occurs. Whereas a node is
point of minimum amplitude where destructive interference occurs.
2. The anti-nodal line joins all anti-node points. The nodal line joins all node points.

Formula for Interference

λ=ax/D

λ = Wavelength
a = Distance between the two wave sources
x = Distance between two successive anti-node lines or node lines
D = Distance from the wave sources to the plane where x is measured.
Interference Of Sound Wave
Experiment
1. Figure below shows the apparatus set up to investigate the interference of sound wave.
2. Two distanced speakers are connected to the same audio generator.
3. A microphone is move in front of the 2 speakers from left to right.

Result:
Alternating loud and soft sounds are detected as the microphone is moved from left to right.

Formula
Wavelength of the sound wave is given by the equation
λ=ax/D
a = Distance between two loudspeakers
x = Distance between two successive loud sound.
D = Distance between the straight line path and the two loudspeakers.

Q&A
Explain briefly why alternating loud and soft sound is detected in front of the speakers?

1. The alternating loud and soft sounds are caused by interference of the sound wave.
2. The loud sound corresponds to the occurrence of constructive interference.
3. The soft sound corresponds to the occurrence of the destructive interference.

Q&A
Explain why the experiment is not suitable to be done in a lab.

Sound wave will be reflected by the wall and causes interference of reflected waves.

Q&A
How do we make sure that the sources of the sound wave are coherent?

The two loud speakers are sources of two coherent sound waves as they are connected to the same audio signal
generator.