Wave Interference Principle of Superposition Works for both longitudinal waves and for transverse waves
Wave Interference Simply align the waves in time and add the amplitudes Amplitudes can be either positive or negative If the amplitudes are of the same sign, the wave is reinforced and grows bigger If the amplitudes are of opposite sign, the wave is diminished and grows smaller
Wave Interference
Wave Interference
Wave Interference So far, we have only looked at waves that have the same wavelength or frequency What happens if the frequencies are different? According to the Superposition Principle, we simply add the two waves together to see what results
Wave Interference Produces “Beats” This is how musicians “tune” their instruments to match in the orchestra
Wave Interference 10% Frequency Difference 20% Frequency Difference
Standing Waves
Standing Waves
Doppler Effect
Doppler Effect Doppler effect occurs for all types of waves, water, sound and even light. This is how we know the universe is expanding.
Wave Barriers The object is moving at the speed of waves in the medium. See how the waves pile up at the source.
Shock Waves The source is moving faster than the wave speed in the medium. A shock wave is formed and it is very difficult to break through the previous wave barrier. These waves produce sonic booms.
Waves and Music
Guitar Strings
Guitar Strings A combination wave composed of the 1st harmonic and the third harmonic.
Music What makes instruments unique is the combination of harmonics produced by the different instruments. Flutes produce primarily the 1st harmonic They have a very pure tone Oboes produce a broad range of harmonics and sound very different
Combining Waves Revisited
Combining Waves
Musical Instruments Three ways to make sound Vibrate a string Vibrate an air column Vibrate a membrane
Vibrating Strings Violin, viola, cello, string bass Guitars Ukuleles Mandolins Banjos All vibrate a structure to amplify the sound
Vibrating Air Columns Pipe Organs Brass Instruments Woodwinds Whistles
Vibrating Membranes Percussion Instruments Snare Drum Bass Drum Bongos Timpani are unique in that they are tuned to produce particular 1st harmonics You see the timpanist tunes each drum during a performance