Wave Superposition Worksheet

Wave Superposition

Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. This worksheet will test your understanding of wave superposition.

1. What happens when two waves meet and combine to form a larger wave?

2. When two waves meet and cancel each other out, this is called:

3. The principle of   states that when two or more waves overlap, the resulting displacement is the sum of the individual displacements.

4. When waves are in phase, they combine to create a wave with a larger amplitude, which is called   interference.

5. When waves are out of phase, they combine to create a wave with a smaller amplitude (or even cancel out), which is called   interference.

6. Wave superposition only applies to sound waves, not light waves.

7. The individual waves are permanently changed after they interfere with each other.

8. Look at the image below. This diagram shows an example of a wave. Label the crest and trough of the wave.

9. Describe in your own words what happens during constructive interference.

10. Describe in your own words what happens during destructive interference.