Chapter 11
Superposition
Add the oscillating quantities first, then identify what stays fixed, what is measured and which conditions make a pattern observable.
Spaced review
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Add overlapping waves
Add signed disturbances at a common position and instant, then distinguish the resultant from its component waves.
Build a standing wave
Combine oppositely travelling waves and distinguish permanent nodes from an instantaneous zero displacement.
Measure string and microwave patterns
Use the apparatus, controls and several node or minimum intervals to determine wavelength.
Standing sound and air columns
Distinguish pressure and displacement nodes and use successive resonant air lengths to determine sound wavelength.
Coherence, phase and two sources
Explain interference in four media and combine source phase with path difference under observable-pattern conditions.
Measure double-slit fringes
Identify slit separation, screen distance and fringe intervals, then calculate wavelength or a screen position.
Diffraction gratings and wavelength
Convert line density to spacing, identify allowed principal maxima and measure wavelength from their directions.
Diffraction and a single slit
Explain spreading at openings and edges, then locate the first minima and the full central-maximum width.
Resolve two sources
Apply the Rayleigh criterion while distinguishing source separation from diffraction-pattern width.