Waves & Sound: Wave Interactions
When two waves simultaneously pass through the same space, the waves interfere with each other. When the waves are sound waves, interesting audible interference phenomena can arise. In this activity you will use WAVEPORT's Sound Creator to hear and see some of these interference phenomena.
Your students will see, hear and manipulate the superposition of two waves to develop a full understanding of wave interaction.
Lab Summary
When two or more waves traveling through a medium meet at the same place at the same time, the waves combined effect on the medium is the sum of their effects individually. The combining of waves in this manner is called superposition.
Using WAVEPORT, students will create and combine two waves, providing them the opportunity to see and hear constructive interference, destructive interference, and the phenomenon of beats.
Theory
Unlike matter, two waves can occupy the same point in space at the same time. When two waves do overlap, interference (either positive or negative) results. With sound waves this results in louder, softer sounds. If the sound waves are close in frequency it creates beats.The WAVEPORT software will allow exploration of all of these aspects of waves.
Downloads
- Computer-based lab (PDF, 568 KB) (566 KB, .pdf)
(student version)
- Xplorer GLX-based lab (PDF, 256 KB) (255 KB, .pdf)
(student version)
Method
Use WAVEPORT, to investigate the concept of linear superposition and interference and to hear what happens when two or more waves interact.
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
Required for Xplorer GLX-based lab: (See lab download for computer-based lab requirements, which may differ)
Probeware
WAVEPORT Software (Single User) (CI-6872D) - $59
WAVEPORT is an interactive soundwave module that enables students to collect, visually display and analyze sound waves. Single User version.
Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) - $349
The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators.
Other Products
Single Section Wave Motion Demonstrator (SE-9601) - $285
Demonstrate the fundamental wave behavior and properties.
Double-Length Slinky (SE-8760) - $15
An excellent tool for demonstrating transverse and longitudinal wave phenomena. It is twice as long as a traditional slinky.
Lab Manual
The computer-based activity is included in Explorations in Physics (PS-2810) . The Xplorer GLX-based lab is included in Physics with the Xplorer GLX (PS-2826). Both manuals are complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data.
For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware for the
activities in the manual. For more, please see:
Computer-based
Physics Lab Manual and Bundles
Xplorer
GLX-based Physics Lab Manual and Bundles
