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In the constructive interference of two light waves, the waves are exactly "in-step". The resultant of these two light waves produces an even brighter result. In the destructive interference of two light waves, the waves are exactly "out-of-step". The resultant of these two light waves produces no light.

In the constructive interference of two light waves, the waves are exactly "in-step". The resultant of these two light waves produces an even brighter result. In the destructive interference of two light waves, the waves are exactly "out-of-step". The resultant of these two light waves produces no light.

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In the constructive interference of two light waves, the waves are exactly "in-step". The resultant of these two light waves produces an even brighter result. In the destructive interference of two light waves, the waves are exactly "out-of-step". The resultant of these two light waves produces no light. (a) (b) Figure 3: The principle of superposition in action. (a) Constructive interference occurs when the top and bottom waves are exactly in phase. This is indicated by the dashed line and how the two peaks are perfectly in step with one another. (b) Destructive interference occurs when the top and bottom waves are exactly out of phase. This is indicated by the dashed line and how the two peaks are shifted with respect to one another in such a way that now the top peak is aligned with the bottom trough. In Figure 3(a), the waves are exactly in step, or have a phase difference of 0°, and constructively interfere. Constructive interference happens when the crests and troughs of the two waves overlap. In Figure 3(b), the waves are exactly out of step, or have a phase difference of 180°, and undergo destructive interference. Destructive interference happens when the crests of one wave overlap the troughs of the other. There can also be partial interference in which the phase difference between the two waves is at an angle other than 0° or 180°. Regardless of phase difference, the resultant wave will have an amplitude that is the algebraic sum of the two waves at every point of overlap. +
Transcribed Image Text:In the constructive interference of two light waves, the waves are exactly "in-step". The resultant of these two light waves produces an even brighter result. In the destructive interference of two light waves, the waves are exactly "out-of-step". The resultant of these two light waves produces no light. (a) (b) Figure 3: The principle of superposition in action. (a) Constructive interference occurs when the top and bottom waves are exactly in phase. This is indicated by the dashed line and how the two peaks are perfectly in step with one another. (b) Destructive interference occurs when the top and bottom waves are exactly out of phase. This is indicated by the dashed line and how the two peaks are shifted with respect to one another in such a way that now the top peak is aligned with the bottom trough. In Figure 3(a), the waves are exactly in step, or have a phase difference of 0°, and constructively interfere. Constructive interference happens when the crests and troughs of the two waves overlap. In Figure 3(b), the waves are exactly out of step, or have a phase difference of 180°, and undergo destructive interference. Destructive interference happens when the crests of one wave overlap the troughs of the other. There can also be partial interference in which the phase difference between the two waves is at an angle other than 0° or 180°. Regardless of phase difference, the resultant wave will have an amplitude that is the algebraic sum of the two waves at every point of overlap. +
Q3. In Figure 3(a), if the amplitude of each of the two interfering waves is 3 m, what is the resultant wave's amplitude? Q4. In Figure 3(b), what must the relationship between the two waves' amplitudes be if the resultant wave's amplitude is zero? Q5. For Figure 3(b), explain what the resultant wave would look like if the first wave had an amplitude of 2 m and the second wave, an amplitude of 3 m?
Transcribed Image Text:Q3. In Figure 3(a), if the amplitude of each of the two interfering waves is 3 m, what is the resultant wave's amplitude? Q4. In Figure 3(b), what must the relationship between the two waves' amplitudes be if the resultant wave's amplitude is zero? Q5. For Figure 3(b), explain what the resultant wave would look like if the first wave had an amplitude of 2 m and the second wave, an amplitude of 3 m?
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