State the principle of superposition of waves and illustrate it schematically.

Whenever two or more waves travelling through the same medium at the same time pass through each other, the net displacement of the medium at any point in space-time is simply given by the sum of the individual wave displacements.An easy way to illustrate this schematically would be by sketching both constructive and destructive cases using sine and cosine waves. More complicated waveforms could them be later also considered (square, triangular, etc...).

PV
Answered by Pedro V. Physics tutor

3615 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Derive an expression for the centripetal acceleration of a body in uniform circular motion.


A cable with a diameter of 6mm is used to lift crate. Calculate the mass of the crate required to create a stress of 350 MPa.


What height do geostationary satellites orbit above the Earths surface?


If a car is travelling over a curved hill, what is the maximum speed it can travel before losing contact with the road surface?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning