Phase difference between the two waves

In summary, the first two conversations involve two sine waves with equal peak to peak amplitudes and different phase differences. The peak to peak amplitude of the resultant wave can be determined by taking the difference between the two amplitudes. In the third conversation, light from a single source travels to point X through two different paths, resulting in a phase difference when they meet. To calculate the phase difference, the difference in path lengths and the wavelength of the light must be taken into account.
  • #1
Sloan650
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1) Two sine waves have equal peak to peak amplitudes 89 but are out of phase by 180 degrees. What is the peak to peak amplitude of the resultant wave.

2)Two sine waves have equal peak to peak amplitudes 81 but are out of phase by 90 degrees. What is the peak to peak amplitude of the resultant wave.

3) Light from a single source goes from O to X via two paths: directly OX, path length 10.29600 mm and indirectly OYX, path length 10.29765 mm. The wavelength is 660 nm. What is the phase difference between the two waves when they meet at X.
 
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Hello Sloan650, welcome to PF! Maybe you didn't get a chance to read the forum rules. The thing you need to do is show what work you have done. If you have done very little, the odds of getting any help are low. If you show a sincere effort, your stock will rise. Give the problems a try! :smile:
 

Related to Phase difference between the two waves

1. What is phase difference between two waves?

The phase difference between two waves is the measure of the shift in their corresponding crests or troughs. It is measured in degrees or radians and indicates how much the two waves are out of sync with each other.

2. How is phase difference calculated?

To calculate the phase difference between two waves, the corresponding points on the waves (such as crests or troughs) are identified and the time difference between them is measured. This time difference is then converted into degrees or radians to determine the phase difference.

3. What does a phase difference of 0 indicate?

A phase difference of 0 indicates that the two waves are in phase, meaning their corresponding points are aligned and they are at the same point in their cycle. This can result in constructive interference, where the amplitudes of the waves add up, resulting in a larger overall amplitude.

4. What does a phase difference of 180 degrees indicate?

A phase difference of 180 degrees indicates that the two waves are in antiphase, meaning their corresponding points are completely out of sync. This can result in destructive interference, where the amplitudes of the waves cancel each other out, resulting in a smaller overall amplitude.

5. How does phase difference affect wave interference?

The phase difference between two waves determines the type of interference that occurs. A phase difference of 0 or a multiple of 360 degrees results in constructive interference, while a phase difference of 180 degrees or a multiple of 360 degrees results in destructive interference. Any other phase difference will result in partial interference, where the resulting amplitude is between the two extremes.

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