-constructive
-destructive
-sinusoidal waves
2006-10-04 16:07:15 · 5 answers · asked by Diego 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Can you give me some references(websites)
2006-10-04 16:19:29 · update #1
The principle of superposition may 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 dispacements. This is true of waves which are finite in length (wave pulses) or which are continuous sine waves.
Constructive: the waves are in phase and add to each other
destructive: the waves are out of phase and cancel each other.
sunusoidal wave: a wave with a shape like a sin wave function
a picture is worth 1000 words http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Waveforms.png
2006-10-04 16:09:27 · answer #1 · answered by DanE 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
superposition
- Superposition is a principle of quantum theory that describes a challenging concept about the nature and behavior of matter and forces at the atomic level. The principle of superposition claims that while we do not know what the state of any object is, it is actually in all possible states simultaneously, as long as we don't look to check. It is the measurement itself that causes the object to be limited to a single possibility.
In 1935, Erwin Schrodinger proposed an analogy to show how superposition would operate in the every day world: the somewhat cruel analogy of Schrodinger's cat. First, we have a living cat and place it in a thick lead box. At this stage, there is no question that the cat is alive. We then throw in a vial of cyanide and seal the box. We do not know if the cat is alive or if it has broken the cyanide capsule and died. Since we do not know, the cat is both dead and alive, according to quantum law - in a superposition of states. It is only when we break open the box and see what condition the cat is that the superposition is lost, and the cat must be either alive or dead.
Superposition is well illustrated by Thomas Young's double-slit experiment, developed in the early nineteenth century to prove that light consisted of waves. In fact, the noted physicist Richard Feynman claimed that the essentials of quantum mechanics could be grasped by an exploration of the implications of Young's experiment.
2006-10-04 16:12:00 · answer #2 · answered by poet_by_nature 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First let us take system acted on by many forces. If the sources of these forces are independent of each other, then the forces themselves will be independent. Hence superposition principle uses this logic, to state that, in order to find the net effect of all forces on the system, we can find the effect of individual forces, taken one or a set at a time and then combine them to get the net effect. This is super position principle.
When the forces act in such a manner, that the results add (combine) together to produce larger result then we say that it is constructive. For example, a cart pulled by two horses tied in front.
When the forces act in such a manner, that the results cancel out or reduces the effect each one taken individually, then it is known as destructive. For example , the above cart, tied with two horses at both ends trying to pull in opposite directions.
We apply this principle in electrical field, where any signal can be represented as a weighted sum of sinusoidal signals, application of superposition principle, allows us to studly many electrical systems for its characteristics. This is a very fundamental concept in the electrical field.
2006-10-04 18:47:17 · answer #3 · answered by natanan_56 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The superposition principle is often applied to physical systems described by differential equations such as the electromagnetic wave equation, the heat equation.
In electrical engineering, the superposition principle is used to solve problems in linear circuit analysis.
In quantum mechanics, the superposition principle is applied to solutions of Schrödinger's wave equation
2006-10-04 16:15:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I'm going to have to make a guess here. Generally it means two things in the same place at the same time.
In case of waves if two peaks hit at the same place and same time the amplitude could double. I would call that constructive.
If a peak hits a valley then the waves would cancel out, assuming they were of the same frequency and amplitude.
sin waves are and example of wave motion that can exhibit this.
2006-10-04 16:13:10 · answer #5 · answered by Roadkill 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋