Superposition is the combination of two or more waves at a point, and constructive interference happens when waves meet in phase, so this Year 12 sheet opens with the combining rule and its phase condition. Nodes and antinodes close the answers.
Key Takeaways
Superposition combines two or more waves at a point (Q1).
Constructive interference needs waves in phase (Q2).
Q5 records nodes among the stationary wave answers.
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark Each)
Choose the correct option for each question.
1.Superposition is the
(a) combination of two or more waves at a point(b) reflection of a single wave(c) absorption of a wave(d) refraction of a wave
2.Constructive interference occurs when two waves meet
(a) in phase(b) in antiphase(c) out of phase by 180°(d) randomly
3.Destructive interference occurs when two waves meet
(a) in antiphase(b) in phase(c) with equal amplitudes(d) at different frequencies
4.A stationary wave is formed when
(a) two identical waves travel in opposite directions(b) one wave reflects once(c) waves travel in the same direction(d) waves have different frequencies
5.The points of zero amplitude in a stationary wave are called
(a) nodes(b) antinodes(c) crests(d) troughs
6.The points of maximum amplitude in a stationary wave are called
(a) antinodes(b) nodes(c) waves(d) peaks
Section B: Short Answer Type Questions (2 Marks Each)
Show all steps clearly.
7.Define superposition.
8.When does constructive interference occur?
9.When does destructive interference occur?
10.What is a stationary (standing) wave?
11.Define a node.
12.Define an antinode.
13.What is the phase difference between two waves that interfere destructively?
14.Give one example of a stationary wave.
Section C: Numericals & Word Problems (3 Marks Each)
Apply the concepts to solve the problems. Show all working.
15.Two waves in phase combine. If each has an amplitude of 3 units, what is the resultant amplitude?
16.Two waves in antiphase combine. If each has an amplitude of 3 units, what is the resultant amplitude?
17.A stationary wave has a wavelength of 2 m. What is the distance between adjacent nodes?
18.A node and the next antinode on a stationary wave are separated by λ/4. If λ = 4 m, find the separation.
19.Two identical waves of amplitude 2 units interfere constructively. Find the resultant amplitude.
20.A stationary wave has adjacent antinodes separated by 3 m. What is the wavelength?
Answer Key
1. a) combination of two or more waves at a point
2. a) in phase
3. a) in antiphase
4. a) two identical waves travel in opposite directions
5. a) nodes
6. a) antinodes
7. Refer to solution guide.
8. Refer to solution guide.
9. Refer to solution guide.
10. Refer to solution guide.
11. Refer to solution guide.
12. Refer to solution guide.
13. Refer to solution guide.
14. Refer to solution guide.
15. Refer to solution guide.
16. Refer to solution guide.
17. Refer to solution guide.
18. Refer to solution guide.
19. Refer to solution guide.
20. Refer to solution guide.
End of Worksheet
People Also Ask
What is superposition?
The combination of two or more waves at a point, option (a) in this worksheet (Q1).
When does constructive interference occur?
When two waves meet in phase, option (a) in this worksheet (Q2).
What are the points of zero displacement called?
Nodes, option (a) in this worksheet (Q5).
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