PhysicsLAB: Pulse Superposition: Interference

When two or more waves travelling through the same medium overlap [or meet] they superposition and the observor only sees their interference pattern. Once they pass through one another, the observor once again sees the individual waves. The mechanism by which they superposition is called "addition of ordinates;" that is, their vertical displacements reinforce or cancel eath other.

Before starting this worksheet, take a moment and examine the superposition of several different types of pulses in these animations by Zona Land Education.

Refer to the following information for the next three questions.

The diagram below shows two pulses approaching each other in a uniform medium.

1. Which diagram best represents the superposition of the two pulses?

2. Question #1 is an example of which type of interference?

completely constructive interferencecompletely destructive interferencepartially destructive interference

3. Which diagram best represents the medium after the pulses have passed through each other?

Refer to the following information for the next three questions.

Two pulses traveling in the same uniform medium approach each other, as shown in the diagram below.

4. Which diagram best represents the superposition of the two pulses?

5. If the left crest which is moving to the right were to be replaced by a trough moving to the right, which diagram would best represent the superposition of the two pulses?

6. Question #5 is an example of which type of interference?

completely constructive interferencecompletely destructive interferencepartially destructive interference

Refer to the following information for the next two questions.

Shown below is a snapshot graph, taken at t = 0 seconds, of two waves approaching each other at 1 m/sec.

7. Which diagram correctly represents the superposition of the two pulses at t = 4 seconds?

8. Question #7 is an example of which type of interference?

completely constructive interferencecompletely destructive interferencepartially destructive interference

Refer to the following information for the next two questions.

Shown below is a snapshot graph, taken at t = 0 seconds, of two pulses approaching each other at 1 m/sec.

9. At what later time would this snapshot graph occur?

t = 3 secondst = 3.5 secondst = 4 secondst = 4.5 secondst = 5 seconds

10. Question #9 is an example of which type of interference?

completely constructive interferencecompletely destructive interferencepartially destructive interference

Refer to the following information for the next question.

Prior to your final submission, make sure that Mr. Bishop types in his substitute certification.

Substitute Certification: