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PRACTICE / Wave interference

Phase opposition is not the only interference case

Two coherent transverse waves of the same frequency overlap at one point. Their displacement amplitudes are 3 mm and 4 mm, with phase difference 120°.

What is the resultant displacement amplitude?

Organize the givens & assumptions
  • A1 = 3 mm
  • A2 = 4 mm
  • Phase difference = 120°

Linear superposition of scalar displacements along the same transverse direction, stable relative phase and equal frequencies.

  1. A13 mm\sqrt{13}\ \mathrm{mm}
  2. B7 mm7\ \mathrm{mm}
  3. C1 mm1\ \mathrm{mm}
  4. D5 mm5\ \mathrm{mm}

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