Wave Interference

The Interference of Waves Video Tutorial explains the distinction between constructive and destructive forms of wave interference and discusses how to use the principle of superposition to determine the shape of the wave resulting from the interference of the two waves. Numerous examples are given.

The video lesson answers the following questions:

How do you distinguish between constructive and destructive interference?
How can the principle of superposition predict the shape of the wave resulting from interference?

Video

You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).

To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:

Additional and Related Learning Tools

Physics Interactives: Wave Addition
Our interactive simulations allow you to playfully alter a variable and observe the result in the form of an animation. Ask a question and pursue the answer. This one on allows you to observe and analyze the constructive and destructive interference of two waves. Great tool! And follow it up with the Concept Checker.

Concept Builders, Waves and Sound Chapter, Wave Interference
Everybody likes Concept Builders. This one on the topic of wave interference will provide great follow-up practice to this video on the same topic.

Minds On Physics, Wave Motion Module, Mission WM6
A Minds On Physics mission may not be easy. But it sure is an effective way to solidify your learning. Try Mission WM6 to seal up your understanding of constructive and destructive interference.

Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vibrations and Waves Chapter, Lesson 3 - Interference of Waves
When you need to quickly review, brush up, and revisit the ideas in the video, turn to the Physics Classroom Tutorial page that accompanies the video.

Teacher Resources

Curriculum Corner: Wave Motion
Try our Curriculum Corner for a Think Sheet or a whole unit of Think Sheets and get your students thinking about waves. You will find a Think Sheet here on the topic of wave interference. If the video is homework; then these are awesome next day starters. This is free curriculum for the taking. And for a few extra bucks, you can obtain the source documents and purchase a license to place them and any deriviative from them on your course management pages; see the Solutions Guide.

Physics Interactives: Wave Addition
Our interactive simualtions allow a student to playfully alter a variable and observe the result in the form of an animation. Ask a question and pursue the answer. This one on Wave Interference is a perfect complement to the video. Don't miss the classroom-ready student activity sheet and the accompanying Concept Checker. When put together - simulation, student activity sheet, and Concept Checker - you have the skeleton of a highly engaging lesson plan.

Minds On Physics, Wave Motion Module, Mission WM6
You can't be sure they understand until they complete the Minds On Physics mission on the topic. Try Mission WM6 to help students assimilate their conceptions of wave interference.

Physics Classroom Tutorial, Vibrations and Waves Chapter, Lesson 3 - Interference of Waves
Our written tutorial pages provide a thorough, easy-to-understand, common-sense approach to Physics topics. This particular page addresses the same topics covered in the video. As such, it makes a great reference for a quick check-up or clarification of an idea.

Lesson Notes

Download (opens in a new tab) or view below

Slides

Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.