Explaining Wave Superposition

This week in class we discussed the principle of superposition. The principle of superposition: when two waves interfere, the resulting displacement of the medium at any location is the sum of the displacements of the individual waves at that same location. This principle can be applied to waves whenever two or more are traveling through the same medium at the same time. When these waves pass through each other they do not cause much disturbance. This principle has much to do with the interference of waves. The interferences can either be constructive or destructive it all depends on certain qualities of the waves. Constructive interference happens at any location throughout the medium where two waves have a displacement in the same direction. In this type of interference typically both waves have an upward displacement. Destructive interference occurs at any location throughout when two interfering waves have a displacement in the opposite direction. These qualities result in the waves becoming flat and ultimately destroying each other. In this type of interference the waves are basically canceling each other out.

Above is a picture of two transverse waves interfering with each other to create a constructive interference. In the diagram you see how they come together to form a large wave but eventually continue to flow and pass through each other.