What does the principle of superposition in wave mechanics state?

What does the principle of superposition in wave mechanics state?

• A. The velocities of waves can combine to form a single wave.
• B. When two or more waves overlap, the resulting displacement is the sum of the individual wave displacements.
• C. Waves can only interact when they are in phase.
• D. Only the wave with the highest amplitude will affect the resultant wave.

Answer: (B)

The principle of superposition in wave mechanics asserts that when two or more waves intersect or overlap in space, the resultant wave displacement at any point is equal to the algebraic sum of the displacements of the individual waves at that same point. This means that if one wave is cresting while another is troughing, the contributions of both waves can be added together to find the overall effect on displacement, leading to phenomena such as constructive and destructive interference. This principle is foundational to various applications in physics, including sound waves, light waves, and water waves. It allows for the prediction of how waves will combine in various situations, providing a vital tool for understanding complex wave interactions in different mediums.

The principle of superposition in wave mechanics asserts that when two or more waves intersect or overlap in space, the resultant wave displacement at any point is equal to the algebraic sum of the displacements of the individual waves at that same point. This means that if one wave is cresting while another is troughing, the contributions of both waves can be added together to find the overall effect on displacement, leading to phenomena such as constructive and destructive interference.

This principle is foundational to various applications in physics, including sound waves, light waves, and water waves. It allows for the prediction of how waves will combine in various situations, providing a vital tool for understanding complex wave interactions in different mediums.