Question #d9e40

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Matt
Apr 12, 2016

The principle of superposition states that when 2 waves meet, the total displacement at a point is equal to the sum of the individual displacements at that point.

Explanation:

Based on the above definition, two waves constructively interfere when they are in phase.

In another words, if a crest of one wave meets a crest of another, the combined amplitude will be the sum of the amplitudes (constructive interference). Yet if a crest meets a trough, you get destructive interference

The following includes some diagrams which make this a lot easier to understand:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interference_(wave_propagation)

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