UIUC Physics Lecture Demo: Superposition of Waves

UIUC Physics
Lecture Demonstration
Database

Demo # 447

Superposition of Waves

ID # 447

Description:

Two waves are used to demonstrate the superposition of waves. One wave (red) has a fixed x-axis (relative to the wood frame). The other wave (black with green on top) is variable; the black form can be moved or replaced with a different wave. When the black/green wave is pushed from side to side it shows the addition of the two waves' amplitudes at different positions.

Picture of Superposition of Waves

Physics Concept:

Waves
Wave Motion
Superposition of Waves

The demonstration takes about 1 minute to perform.