What Phase Difference Leads to the Largest Amplitude?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the phase difference that results in the largest amplitude when two waves with different amplitudes (A1 = 6.0 cm and A2 = 2.0 cm) are superimposed. The maximum resultant amplitude is calculated to be 8.0 cm. It is established that the phase difference must be a multiple of 2π (2*n*pi) for the amplitude to be maximized. The original poster seeks clarification on how to calculate the distances involved in the phase difference formula. The conversation emphasizes understanding the relationship between phase difference and resultant amplitude in wave interference.
kavamo
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Homework Statement



Two waves with identical frequency but different amplitudes A1 = 6.0 cm and A2 = 2.0 cm, occupy the same region of space (are superimposed).

(a) At what phase difference does the resulting wave have the largest amplitude?

Homework Equations



I have found the amplitude of the resulting wave (8.0 cm) which was the second part of the problem) but am not sure how to calculate the phase difference. The formula in my books is:

d1-d2/lamda(wavelength)

The Attempt at a Solution



The problem is I don't know/understand how to solve for the distances. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks.
 
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Resultant amplitude is maximum when the phase difference is 2*n*pi, where n = 0, 1, 2, ..etc.
 
Thank you for the assist.

kavamo
 

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