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EnglandPhysicsQuick questions
Waves and the particle nature of light
Quick questions on Superposition and stationary waves: interference, coherence and harmonics - Edexcel A-Level Physics
4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are stationary waves?Show answer
A stationary (standing) wave forms when two waves of the same frequency and amplitude travel in opposite directions and superpose, typically a wave and its reflection. The result does not move along: it has nodes (points of permanent zero displacement) and antinodes (points of maximum displacement), spaced half a wavelength apart.
What is q1?Show answer
State the principle of superposition. [1 mark]
What is q2?Show answer
Two coherent sources have a path difference of wavelengths at a point. State whether interference there is constructive or destructive. [1 mark]
What is q3?Show answer
A string fixed at both ends is m long with a wave speed of m per second. Find its fundamental frequency. [2 marks]
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