Wave Interference
IB PHYSICS | WAVES - SOUND
Interference
When several waves are in the same location,
they combine to produce a new wave that is
different from the original waves.
After waves pass
by one another
continue on
_____________
Name that Interference
_________ Interference _________ Interference
Constructive Interference
What is the resulting
amplitude when
these waves meet?
Destructive Interference
What is the
resulting
amplitude
when these
waves meet?
Superposition of Waves
Wave A
Time
Wave B
Time
Superposition
Time
IB Sample Question
Both the waves below are moving at 0.5 m s-1 towards each other.
What is the displacement at a distance of 1 m, after 4 s has passed?
Noise Canceling Headphones
IB Sample Question
Interference from Multiple Sources
1D Sound Interference
λ
Path Difference =
0λ 0.5λ 1λ 1.5λ 2λ 2.5λ
Constructive
Destructive
IB Physics Data Booklet
Finding a Minimum
λ = 0.6 m
2.1 m 1.8 m
Constructive | Path Difference = 𝑛𝜆
Destructive | Path Difference = (𝑛 + 12)𝜆
Finding a Maximum
λ = 0.6 m
2.1 m 1.5 m
Constructive | Path Difference = 𝑛𝜆
Destructive | Path Difference = (𝑛 + 12)𝜆
Try This
Two coherent point sources S1 and S2 emit spherical waves. P Q
Which of the following best describes the intensity of the
A Maximum Minimum
waves at P and Q? B Minimum Maximum
C Maximum Maximum
D Minimum Minimum
Try this #1
5m
Two speakers are separated by a distance of 5 meters,
if they emit a coherent sound signal of 850 Hz. If the
2.1 m 2.9 m
speed of sound is 340 m s-1, is this person in a
maximum or minimum location?
Try This #2
4m If these speakers are playing a note with a frequency of
680 Hz, is this person standing at a maximum or
minimum spot? Assume a speed of sound of 340 m s-2
3m
What frequency would result in the opposite effect?
Lesson Takeaways
❑ I can qualitatively and quantitatively interpret cases of
constructive and destructive interference
❑ I can add up two waves with superposition to create a
new waveform
❑ I can use wavelength and source distance to identify
maxima and minima for interference