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8. Superposition

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4 topics · 12 learning objectives

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  1. 8.1 Stationary waves

    1. • explain and use the principle of superposition

    2. • show an understanding of experiments that demonstrate stationary waves using microwaves, stretched strings and air columns (it will be assumed that end corrections are negligible; knowledge of the concept of end corrections is not required)

    3. • explain the formation of a stationary wave using a graphical method, and identify nodes and antinodes

    4. • understand how wavelength may be determined from the positions of nodes or antinodes of a stationary wave

  2. 8.2 Diffraction

    1. • explain the meaning of the term diffraction

    2. • show an understanding of experiments that demonstrate diffraction including the qualitative effect of the gap width relative to the wavelength of the wave • For example diffraction of water waves in a ripple tank

  3. 8.3 Interference

    1. • understand the terms interference and coherence

    2. • show an understanding of experiments that demonstrate two-source interference using water waves in a ripple tank, sound, light and microwaves

    3. • understand the conditions required if two-source interference fringes are to be observed

    4. • recall and use λ = ax / D for double-slit interference using light

  4. 8.4 The diffraction grating

    1. 8.4.1D sin θ = nλ

      • recall and use d sin θ = nλ

    2. 8.4.2The use of a diffraction grating to determine the wavelength of light

      • describe the use of a diffraction grating to determine the wavelength of light (the structure and use of the spectrometer are not included)