INTERFERENCE
Principle of Superposition
The principle of superposition states that where two or more waves meet, the total displacement at
any point is the vector sum of the displacements that each individual wave would cause at that point.
Coherent Wave
Two wave sources which are coherent have same frequency or have constant phase difference.
Interference
1. The effect of superposition of two coherent waves is interference.
2. Interference is a phenomenon of wave caused by the superposition of 2 or more coherent
waves.
3. The effect of interference can be studied using a ripple tank. Two dippers are used to
produce two sources of coherent waves.
4. Figure 3 shows the interference pattern observed.
5. Interference can be constructive or destructive.
Constructive Interference and Anti-node
1. In the interference of 2 waves, there are places where the 2 waves are always in phase (same
phase) and the superposition of the waves produces oscillation with maximum amplitude.
This is called the constructive interference.
2. A place where constructive interference occurs is called the anti-node.
Destructive Interference and Node
1. In the interference of 2 waves, there are also places where the 2 waves are always anti-phase
(phase difference = 180°) and the superposition of the waves produces oscillation with
minimum amplitude. This is called the destructive interference.
2. A place where destructive interference occurs is called the node.
Wave Pattern Interference
Nodal Line and Anti-nodal Line
1. An anti-node is a point of maximum amplitude where constructive interference occurs.
Whereas a node is point of minimum amplitude where destructive interference occurs.
2. The anti-nodal line joins all anti-node points. The nodal line joins all node points.
Formula for Interference
λ = Wavelength
a = Distance between the two wave sources
x = Distance between two successive anti-node lines or node lines
D = Distance from the wave sources to the plane where x is measured.
Interference of Light Wave
Young’s Double Slits Experiment
1. Young’s double-slit is made up of two slits ruled on a piece of slide and painted with
‘aquadak’.
2. When monochromatic light passes through Young’s double-slit, diffraction of light occurs and
two coherent sources (same amplitude, frequency and phase) are produced.
3. The two coherent sources will overlap and superpose to produce the effects of constructive
and destructive interference.
4. Constructive interference generates bright fringes while destructive interference produces
dark fringes.
5. Fringe size of bright fringes and dark fringes are about similar in size.
6. Requirements for the interference pattern to be observable:
a. Monochromatic light is used
b. The size of the slit needs to be very small
c. The distance between the 2 slits must be small (about 0.5mm)
7. The distance between fringes increase as
a. light with longer wavelength is used
b. the 2 slits are closer
c. the distance between the double slit and the translucent screen is increased.
8. The wavelength of lightwave can be calculated by using the following equation:
Compare to the pattern of single slit experiment
Young’s Double Slits Experiment (Interference)
Single Slit Experiment (Diffraction)
Q&A
What is meant by a monochromatic light?
Monochromatic light is light with only one colour.
Interference of Sound Wave
Experiment
1. The figure below shows the apparatus set up to investigate the interference of sound wave.
2. Two distanced speakers are connected to the same audio generator.
3. A microphone is moved in front of the 2 speakers from left to right.
Result:
Alternating loud and soft sounds are detected as the microphone is moved from left to right.
Formula
The wavelength of the sound wave is given by the equation
a = Distance between two loudspeakers
x = Distance between two successive loud sound.
D = Distance between the straight-line path and the two loudspeakers.
Q&A
Explain briefly why alternating loud and soft sound is detected in front of the speakers?
1. The alternating loud and soft sounds are caused by interference of the sound wave.
2. The loud sound corresponds to the occurrence of constructive interference.
3. The soft sound corresponds to the occurrence of destructive interference.
Q&A
Explain why the experiment is not suitable to be done in a lab.
The sound wave will be reflected by the wall and causes interference of reflected waves.
Q&A
How do we make sure that the sources of the sound wave are coherent?
The two loudspeakers are sources of two coherent sound waves as they are connected to the same
audio signal generator.
