What is 'superposition'?
The phenomenon where two or more waves overlap, resulting in a combined wave whose displacement is the sum of the individual waves' displacements.
What is 'interference'?
The interaction of two or more waves that results in either reinforcement (constructive interference) or cancellation (destructive interference) of the waves' amplitudes.
Define 'beats'.
Periodic variations in amplitude resulting from the superposition of two waves with slightly different frequencies.
What is a 'standing wave'?
A wave pattern created when two waves of equal frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions and interfere, resulting in fixed points of maximum and minimum displacement.
Define 'nodes' in the context of standing waves.
Points along a standing wave where the amplitude is at a minimum (ideally zero).
What are 'antinodes'?
Points along a standing wave where the amplitude is at a maximum.
Define 'harmonics' in the context of waves.
Harmonics are multiples of the fundamental frequency of a wave. They are also known as overtones and contribute to the timbre of a sound.
What is the effect of increasing the frequency of a wave in a tube?
Increasing the frequency can lead to the formation of higher harmonics or resonance at different modes within the tube.
What happens when two waves with slightly different frequencies overlap?
Beats are produced, resulting in periodic variations in the amplitude of the combined wave.
What is the effect of confining a wave to a region?
If the conditions are right, a standing wave can form with nodes and antinodes.
What happens if the tension in a string is increased?
The speed of transverse waves along the string increases.
Compare open-open and open-closed tubes regarding resonance.
Open-Open Tube: Resonates at every harmonic (\(f_n = n \frac{v}{2L}\)). Antinodes at both ends. | Open-Closed Tube: Resonates at odd harmonics only (\(f_n = n \frac{v}{4L}\), n = 1, 3, 5...). Antinode at the open end, node at the closed end.
Differentiate between constructive and destructive interference.
Constructive Interference: Waves combine to produce a larger amplitude. | Destructive Interference: Waves combine to produce a smaller amplitude or cancel each other out.
