Superposition of Waves

The principle of superposition of waves can be applied to waves whenever two (or more) waves travelling through the same medium at the same time.

The waves pass through each other without being disturbed. The net displacement of the medium at any point in space or time, is simply the sum of the individual wave displacements. This is true of waves which are finite in length (wave pulses) or which are continuous sine waves.

• Superposition of two waves which have the  same frequency traveling in the same direction, will give rise to a sustained interference pattern.

• Superposition of two waves which have slightly different frequencies traveling in the same direction, will give rise to the phenomenon of beats.

• Superposition of two waves of same frequency and same amplitude moving in opposite directions, giving rise to the formation of standing waves or stationary waves.

I hope this was useful. Please send in your comments and suggestions.We will learn more about wave properties in our future posts.