Resultant Amplitude of 2 Waves

In summary, when two sinusoidal waves with the same frequency and amplitude travel in the same direction in the same medium and differ in phase by 50 degrees, the amplitude of the resultant wave can be found using the formula \sqrt{(1+cos(50))^{2} + (sin(50))^{2}}. The superposition of the two waves can also be found using the formula y'(x,t) = y1(x,t)+y2(x,t).
  • #1
jegues
1,097
3

Homework Statement



Two sinusoidal waves have the same angular frequency, the same amplitude ym, and travel in the same direction in the same medium. If they differ in phase by 50 degrees, the amplitude of the resultant wave is?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



How do I go about figuring this out? Do I need to use phasors?

[tex]\sqrt{(1+cos(50))^{2} + (sin(50))^{2}}[/tex]

Isn't the superposition of 2 waves y1(x,t) and y2(x,t)

y'(x,t) = y1(x,t)+y2(x,t)

?

Thanks again!
 
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  • #2
jegues said:


The Attempt at a Solution



How do I go about figuring this out? Do I need to use phasors?

[tex]\sqrt{(1+cos(50))^{2} + (sin(50))^{2}}[/tex]

Yes, that method works well here.

Isn't the superposition of 2 waves y1(x,t) and y2(x,t)

y'(x,t) = y1(x,t)+y2(x,t)

?
Yes, that's right.
 

What is the resultant amplitude of 2 waves?

The resultant amplitude of 2 waves is the combined amplitude of the two waves when they overlap or interfere with each other. This can result in either an increase or decrease in amplitude depending on the type of interference.

How is the resultant amplitude calculated?

The resultant amplitude is calculated by adding or subtracting the individual amplitudes of the two waves, depending on the type of interference. For example, in constructive interference, the amplitudes are added, while in destructive interference, the amplitudes are subtracted.

What factors affect the resultant amplitude of 2 waves?

The resultant amplitude of 2 waves can be affected by factors such as the amplitude and frequency of the individual waves, the distance between the sources of the waves, and the type of interference (constructive or destructive).

Can the resultant amplitude ever be zero?

Yes, the resultant amplitude can be zero if the two waves have the same amplitude and frequency and are in perfect opposite phase, resulting in complete destructive interference. This means that the two waves cancel each other out, resulting in zero amplitude.

What is the significance of the resultant amplitude of 2 waves?

The resultant amplitude of 2 waves is significant because it determines the overall amplitude of the resulting wave. This can have practical applications in fields such as acoustics, optics, and engineering, where the interference of multiple waves is common.

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