How does super position not violate conservation of energy?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the principle of superposition in wave theory and its implications for the conservation of energy. Participants explore whether the superposition of waves, particularly when perfectly in phase, leads to a violation of energy conservation principles.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant claims that superposing two waves of the same amplitude results in a wave with four times the energy, suggesting a potential violation of energy conservation.
  • Another participant questions the phrasing of the initial question, indicating possible confusion or misinterpretation.
  • A repeated assertion is made regarding the energy calculations, stating that the energy of the original waves is A² and the energy of the superposed waves is (2A)², which equals 4A².

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as there are differing interpretations of the implications of superposition on energy conservation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the assumptions underlying the energy calculations or the conditions under which superposition is applied. There is also no resolution regarding the interpretation of energy conservation in this context.

Michio Cuckoo
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according the principle of superposition, a wave with a certain amplitude superposed with a similar wave will yield a wave with 4 times the amount of energy.

This would be double the combined energy of the original 2 waves. Assuming 2 point wave sources are perfectly in phase; and there is no destructive interference, wouldn't this violate energy conservation?
 
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hmmm... is there something wrong with my phrasing of the question?
 
according the principle of superposition, a wave with a certain amplitude superposed with a similar wave will yield a wave with 4 times the amount of energy.

Original waves energy: A^2 Superposed waves energy: (2A)^2 = 4A^2
 

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