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

3831 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Calculate the threshold frequency for a metal with a work function of 3eV


You are asked to find the Young modulus for a metal using a sample of wire. *(a) Describe the apparatus you would use, the measurements you would take and explain how you would use them to determine the Young modulus for the metal.


Determine an approximate value for the acceleration of free fall using a tennis ball, metre ruler and a stopwatch.


Describe how standing waves are formed and explain why nodes and antinodes are formed.


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning