Wave Superposition & Interference Lab - Physics Simulations

t = 0.00s

Wave 1 Wave 2 Resultant

Live Telemetry & Summary

Observe wave interference. Changing phase difference from 0° (constructive) to 180° (destructive) shrinks the resultant amplitude.

Resultant Amplitude:0.0 px

Interference State:Destructive

Variable Adjuster

Wave 1 Amplitude (A₁)20px

530

Wave 2 Amplitude (A₂)20px

530

Phase Difference (Δφ)180°

0360

Wavelength (λ)60px

30100

Wave Superposition & Interference

SUPER

The Principle of Superposition states that when two or more propagating waves overlap, the resultant displacement at any point is the vector sum of the individual displacements. Constructive interference occurs when peaks align (in-phase), and destructive interference occurs when a peak aligns with a trough (out-of-phase).

y_{net}(x,t) = A_{net} \sin(kx - \omega t + \theta)

Whiteboard Solver Steps

Step 1

Wave Superposition Principle

When two or more waves overlap, the resultant displacement is the algebraic sum of the individual displacements.

y_{total}(t) = y_1(t) + y_2(t)

Step 2

Combined Amplitude Calculation

Since the phase difference is 180°, the waves interfere destructively (attenuating amplitude).

A_{result} = \sqrt{A_1^2 + A_2^2 + 2A_1A_2\cos(\Delta\phi)} = \sqrt{20^2 + 20^2 + 2(20)(20)\cos(180^\circ)} \approx 0.00