Coherent and Incoherent Addition of Waves
The concepts of coherent addition and incoherent addition of waves are fundamental in wave
physics,
particularly when analyzing interference and superposition phenomena.
1. Coherent Addition of Waves
- Definition: Coherent addition occurs when waves have a constant phase relationship. This
means
the relative phase difference between the waves does not change over time.
- Conditions:
- Waves must have the same frequency (or very close frequencies).
- The phase difference between the waves is constant.
- Result:
- The superposition of such waves results in constructive or destructive interference,
depending on their phase difference:
* Constructive interference: When the waves are in phase (phase difference = 0° or multiples
of 360°), their amplitudes add up.
A_resultant = A1 + A2
* Destructive interference: When the waves are out of phase (phase difference = 180°),
their amplitudes partially or completely cancel.
A_resultant = A1 - A2
- Example:
- Laser beams (which are coherent light sources) interfering in a double-slit experiment.
2. Incoherent Addition of Waves
The concepts of coherent addition and incoherent addition of waves are fundamental in wave
physics,
particularly when analyzing interference and superposition phenomena.
1. Coherent Addition of Waves
- Definition: Coherent addition occurs when waves have a constant phase relationship. This
means
the relative phase difference between the waves does not change over time.
- Conditions:
- Waves must have the same frequency (or very close frequencies).
- The phase difference between the waves is constant.
- Result:
- The superposition of such waves results in constructive or destructive interference,
depending on their phase difference:
* Constructive interference: When the waves are in phase (phase difference = 0° or multiples
of 360°), their amplitudes add up.
A_resultant = A1 + A2
* Destructive interference: When the waves are out of phase (phase difference = 180°),
their amplitudes partially or completely cancel.
A_resultant = A1 - A2
- Example:
- Laser beams (which are coherent light sources) interfering in a double-slit experiment.
2. Incoherent Addition of Waves
