Calculating Intensity Variation in Superposition of Waves

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating intensity variation in the superposition of waves, specifically using the equations for wave functions involving phase differences and wave numbers. The participants analyze two scenarios with different power levels (P1, P2, P3) and seek clarity on determining the signs in front of phase terms and wave number components. The equations provided include complex exponentials that represent wave interference, indicating a need for precise understanding of phase relationships in wave mechanics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave mechanics and superposition principles
  • Familiarity with complex numbers and exponential functions in physics
  • Knowledge of phase differences in wave interference
  • Basic concepts of intensity calculation in wave physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of wave interference and superposition in detail
  • Learn about phase shifts and their impact on wave intensity
  • Explore the mathematical representation of waves using complex exponentials
  • Investigate applications of phased arrays in wave technology
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on wave mechanics, signal processing, and related fields that require an understanding of wave interference and intensity calculations.

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Figure on top:
[tex]P_{1}= (1/16)W, P_{2}=1W, P_{3}= 16W[/tex], and I want to calculate how the intensity varies with [tex]\theta[/tex]

[tex]y(r,t) = y_{2}(r,t)[1 + 4e^{i(\phi_{3} - \phi_{2} + kdsin \theta} + \frac{1}{4} e^{i(\phi_{1} - \phi_{2} - kd sin \theta)}][/tex]

I understand how to proceed here, I just want to know how to determine whether it's + or - in front of [tex]\phi[/tex]s and [tex]kdsin \theta[/tex]


Bottom figure:

[tex]P_{1}=P_{2}=P_{3} = 10W[/tex], same problem.

[tex]y(r,t)=y_{1}(r,t)[1 + e^{i(\phi_{2} - \phi_{1} + kd cos \theta)} + e^{i(\phi_{3} - \phi_{1} + kd sin \theta)}][/tex]

Is it just me, or is there an incoherence here, as how to determine the signs? Both are from exam solution manuals at my university, so it should be correct.
 
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I am having a hard to following the problem setup. Is this some sort of phased array? What is y2?
 

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