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.

Motion Sensors

Your students will see, hear and manipulate the superposition of two waves to develop a full understanding of wave interaction. Enlarge graph.

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.

Download free labs:

(student versions)

Computer-based lab  (PDF, 568 KB)

Xplorer GLX-based lab  (PDF, 256 KB)

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:

Required for Xplorer GLX-based lab:

(See lab download for computer-based lab requirements, which may differ)

Probeware

Other Materials

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