Wave Interference PhET

Click on "Waves." Set the frequency to the minimum. Use the timer to measure how long it takes for the waves to travel the length of the box and record it here. Don't forget units!

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NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Now set the frequency to the maximum. Use the time to measure how long ti takes for the wave to travel the length of the box and record it here. Don't forget your units!

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NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Now switch to observing sound waves (press the speaker icon). Experiment with viewing the wave propagation as Waves, Particles, and Both. Observe the motion of an individual particle. (Choose a random red dot). What can you say about its motion as the waves pass by?

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NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Click on the simulation for interference. Observe the pattern of two waves as they overlap. What happens when two waves with the same amplitude and phase meet at the same point?

• They cancel each other out.

• They create a wave with double the amplitude.

• They form a smaller wave with half the amplitude.

• They reflect off each other.

Observe the effect of changing the frequency of the waves. What happens to the interference pattern when you increase the frequency of both waves?

• The wave pattern becomes more spaced out.

• The wave pattern becomes denser, with more crests and troughs.

• The waves stop interacting.

• The waves travel more slowly.

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NGSS.HS-PS4-1

In the simulation, observe how two waves interact when they pass through each other. What is the result of two waves passing through each other in the simulation?

• The waves collide and disappear.

• The waves continue to propagate without change.

• The waves momentarily cancel each other and then continue.

• The waves reflect off each other.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

In the simulation, observe the wave patterns created when you adjust the amplitude of the waves. What happens to the wave pattern when you increase the amplitude of the waves?

• The wave pattern becomes less noticeable.

• The crests and troughs become larger, increasing the intensity of the interference.

• The waves stop interacting.

• The waves slow down.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

In the simulation, observe the effect of changing the wavelength of the waves. What happens when you increase the wavelength of the waves?

• The waves move more quickly.

• The waves become less spaced out.

• The interference pattern becomes more spaced out.

• The amplitude increases.

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NGSS.HS-PS4-1

Explain what happens to the wave interference pattern when you adjust both the frequency and amplitude of the waves. How do these changes affect the pattern you observe?

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NGSS.HS-PS4-1

What is the relationship between the phase difference of two waves and the interference pattern that results from them? Explain how constructive and destructive interference are related to phase differences.

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NGSS.HS-PS4-5