Examples of wave interference in everyday events are actually quite diverse. For example, water ripples, radio and TV signal reception, guitar instruments, sound waves, and others. Below we will discuss further the physics material regarding this interference.
Interference is a combination of several separate waves in the same medium. Meanwhile, the definition of a wave itself is one of propagating vibrations. Based on the intermediate medium, waves are divided into two, namely mechanical and electromagnetic waves.
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Mechanical waves require a medium while electromagnetic waves do not need a medium. Waves are also divided based on the direction of vibration into transverse and longitudinal. The transverse type of wave has a straight direction of vibration while the longitudinal direction coincides or is parallel.
Quite Diverse Examples of Wave Interference
Wave interference occurs when two or more waves interact with each other. This interference is divided into two types, namely constructive and destructive interference. Constructive types of interference are mutually reinforcing while destructive ones are mutually weakening.
According to The Principle of Superposition of Waves, when two or more waves of the same type spread at the same point, the resultant amplitude at that time will also be equal to the vector sum of the amplitudes of the individual waves.
If the crest of a wave meets another wave of the same frequency at the same point then the amplitude is constructive interference. Meanwhile, if one wave peak meets the pole of another wave, the amplitude is destructive interference.
The examples of wave interference that we can encounter are actually quite varied and numerous. However, some people may not understand exactly what the examples are. Therefore, below we will discuss several examples that can be understood easily:
Ripples or Water Waves
When we throw two stones into the water, two waves will appear on the surface of the water. When the two waves meet they can strengthen each other and create a higher wave. They can also cancel each other out to produce calmer water.
Radio and TV Signal Reception
Another example can be seen in signals from electronic devices in the form of radio and television. It is important for us to know beforehand that radio and television signals can interfere with each other. This will then cause static reception when the two signals overlap.
Example of Wave Interference Double Slit Experiment
Double-slit experiments in quantum mechanics can show the interference of waves with other particles such as electrons. When electrons pass through two slits, their waves will interfere, creating an interference pattern on the screen.
Sound wave
Apart from waves or water ripples, sound waves are also an example. In this case, interference will occur when sound waves combine.
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This then causes a beat where two different frequencies produce a pulsating sound.
Astronomical Interferometers
Astronomers use interferometers for important purposes. The goal is to combine light from several telescopes and create a telescope with higher resolution. Its function is to study celestial bodies that are very far from the earth.
Guitar Musical Instrument
One of the stringed musical instruments, namely the guitar, can also be an example of wave interference. On a guitar, wave interference occurs on the part of the guitar string that can be plucked. This then allows the strings to produce various timbres and harmonies.
Anti-Reflection Coating
Another example is the anti-reflection coating in the lens. The anti-reflection coating on the lens itself is designed to create destructive interference between reflected waves to minimize reflections. This will have the impact of improving image quality.
Minor Disorders
In optics, when light waves combine and overlap they can produce two interferences. The first is constructive interference so that it can increase brightness. The second is destructive interference, which can cause dark areas in the resulting pattern.
Quantum Superposition
In quantum mechanics, particles can be in superposition. They can interfere constructively or strengthening or destructively or weakening. So this can cause phenomena such as quantum computing and quantum entanglement.
Wave Interference Applications
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Examples of wave interference in life are quite diverse, aren’t they? Starting from water waves, double slit experiments, guitar instruments, sound waves, and others. Hopefully this discussion can increase your understanding of wave interference. (R10/HR-Online)
2024-02-26 14:14:48
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