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

3781 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

This is a question on the photoelectric effect: For potassium, the work function is 3.65E-19J. Find the maximum wavelength of light that will cause photoelectrons to be emitted when shone onto potassium.


A 1kg spring has an unloaded length 10cm and has an elastic constant of 100N/m. It is compressed to 6cm then placed facing upwards on the floor. When released it travels vertically upwards. How high does it jump? You may assume no energy is lost to heat o


A rocket travels with constant velocity in a straight line in deep space. A ball is thrown from the back to the front (ie from the thrusters to the nose). Describe the path of the ball. Describe the path if the rocket were accelerating along this line.


Given the rate of thermal energy transfer is 2.7kW, the volume of the water tank is 4.5m^3, the water is at a temperature of 28oC, density of water is 1000kgm-3 & c=4200Jkg-1K-1. Calculate the rise in water temperature that the heater could produce in 1hr


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