Wave Superposition Explorer
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Wave 1
Wave 2
Superposition
Understanding Wave Superposition
When two waves meet while traveling through the same medium, they interact through a principle called superposition. The resulting wave is the sum of the displacements of the individual waves at each point.
Constructive Interference
Occurs when waves meet in phase (crest aligns with crest). The amplitudes add together, creating a wave with greater amplitude.
Destructive Interference
Occurs when waves meet out of phase (crest aligns with trough). The amplitudes subtract, potentially canceling each other completely.
Try adjusting the phase difference between the two waves to see these effects in action. When the waves have identical parameters and are 180° out of phase, complete cancellation occurs!