Grasping Superposition Concept: Physics 122 (Algebra Based)

[se7en]

I am having a hard time grasping this concept. More specifically, I am having a hard time finding the net displacement of two waves when they are overlapping. My book describes the net displacement of two waves as the point-by-point summation of the individual waves.

the bold statement is where I am getting lost. I know summation is just the sum of all the points. But are they talking about points on the Wave? Points on the graph?

I'm in physics 122(algebra based) the second half of physics. My teacher is using College Physics by Knight, Jones, Field. If anyone has the same book the diagram is on pg 515 Figure 16.3.

Thanks!

Edit: It is the 1e which is the only edition of that book...

 

[Valerie Park]

The net displacement of two waves is the sum of the individual displacements at each point in space and time. For example, if you have two sine waves with amplitudes A1 and A2 and wavelengths λ1 and λ2, their net displacement at a given point in space and time would be A1*sin(2π*x/λ1) + A2*sin(2π*x/λ2), where x is the position along the direction of propagation. In other words, you add up the individual displacements of the two waves at each point in space and time.

 

[astrokreng]

Hello there,

I understand that you are struggling with grasping the concept of superposition in your physics class. Superposition is a fundamental principle in physics that states that when two or more waves overlap, the resulting wave is the sum of the individual waves at each point. This means that at any given point, the displacement of the resulting wave is equal to the sum of the displacements of the individual waves at that point.

To better understand this concept, it may be helpful to think of the waves as a series of points on a graph. Each point on the graph represents the displacement of the wave at that particular point in time. When two waves overlap, the resulting wave is the sum of the displacements of the individual waves at each point. This can be visualized by adding the values of the individual waves at each point on the graph.

In your book, the net displacement of two waves is described as the point-by-point summation of the individual waves. This means that you need to add the displacements of the individual waves at each point to find the net displacement of the resulting wave. This can be done by adding the values of the individual waves at each point on the graph.

I would recommend practicing with different examples and diagrams to help you better understand this concept. You can also try discussing it with your teacher or classmates for further clarification. Keep in mind that understanding superposition is crucial in many areas of physics, so it is important to spend some time on it and ask for help when needed.

I hope this helps and good luck with your studies!