![]() ![]() The crests are denoted by the thick lines and the troughs are denoted by the thin lines. The diagram at the right depicts an interference pattern produced by two periodic disturbances. The interference of two sets of periodic and concentric waves with the same frequency produces an interesting pattern in a ripple tank. ![]() It represents a basic wave behavior that can be expected of any type of wave. In a ripple tank, this constructive and destructive interference can be easily controlled and observed. And finally the crest of one wave will interfere destructively with the trough of the second wave to produce no displacement. And the trough of one wave will interfere constructively with the trough of the second wave to produce a large downward displacement. The crest of one wave will interfere constructively with the crest of the second wave to produce a large upward displacement. If you have ever simultaneously tossed two pebbles into a lake (or somehow simultaneously disturbed the lake in two locations), you undoubtedly noticed the interference of these waves. ![]() These concentric waves will interfere with each other as they travel across the surface of the water. If two objects bob up and down with the same frequency at two different points, then two sets of concentric circular waves will be produced on the surface of the water. If an object bobs up and down in the water, a series water waves in the shape of concentric circles will be produced within the water. In Unit 10, the value of a ripple tank in the study of water wave behavior was introduced and discussed. To understand Young's experiment, it is important to back up a few steps and discuss the interference of water waves that originate from two points. Thomas Young showed that an interference pattern results when light from two sources meets up while traveling through the same medium. The principles were subsequently applied to the interference of sound waves in Unit 11 of The Physics Classroom Tutorial.Ī defining moment in the history of the debate concerning the nature of light occurred in the early years of the nineteenth century. Interference principles were first introduced in Unit 10 of The Physics Classroom Tutorial. Destructive interference has the tendency to decrease the resulting amount of displacement of the medium. For example, the interference of a crest with a trough is an example of destructive interference. For example, if at a given instant in time and location along the medium, the crest of one wave meets the crest of a second wave, they will interfere in such a manner as to produce a "super-crest." Similarly, the interference of a trough and a trough interfere constructively to produce a "super-trough." Destructive interference occurs at any location along the medium where the two interfering waves have a displacement in the opposite direction. Constructive interference occurs at any location along the medium where the two interfering waves have a displacement in the same direction. Wave interference can be constructive or destructive in nature. The interference of waves causes the medium to take on a shape that results from the net effect of the two individual waves upon the particles of the medium. Wave interference is a phenomenon that occurs when two waves meet while traveling along the same medium.
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