Question

Which statement best describes the superposition principle?
A.
If two in-phase waves arrive simultaneously at a point, their amplitudes add up.
B.
If two out-of-phase waves arrive simultaneously at a point, their amplitudes add up.
C.
If two in-phase waves arrive at a point one after another, their amplitudes add up.
D.
If two out-of-phase waves arrive at a point one after the other, their amplitudes adds up.

Answer 1

Explanation:

if two in-phase waves arrive simultaneously at a point,their amplitude add up .

Answer 2

Answer:

If two in-phase waves arrive simultaneously at a point, their amplitudes add up to describe the superposition principle i.e.option(A).

Explanation:

• According to the principle of superposition, "The resultant displacement of a number of waves in a medium at a particular point is the vector sum of the individual displacements produced by each of the waves at that point".
• The superposition of waves takes place in two conditions i.e.constructive and destructive.

Constructive superposition-If two waves superimpose with each other in the same phase (in-phase), the amplitude of the resultant is equal to the sum of the amplitudes of individual waves.

Destructive superposition-If two waves superimpose with each other in opposite phase (or out of phase) the amplitude of the resultant is equal to the difference in amplitude of individual waves.

Hence, If two in-phase waves arrive simultaneously at a point, their amplitudes add up to describe the superposition principle i.e.option(A).

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