The Superposition of Waves

When two sets of waves are made to cross each other, e.g., the waves created by dropping two stones
simultaneously in a quite pool, interesting and complicated effects are observed. In the region of
crossing there are places where the disturbance is practically zero and others where it is greater than
that given by either wave alone. A very simple law can be used to explain these effects, which states
that the resultant displacement of any point is merely the sum of the displacements due to each wave
separately. This is known as principle of superposition and was first clearly stated by Young in 1802. The
truth of this principle is at once evident when we observe that after the waves have passed out of the
region of crossing, they appear to have been entirely uninfluenced by the other set of waves. Amplitude,
frequency, and all other characteristics are just as if they had crossed an undisturbed space. This could
hold only provided the principle of superposition was true. Two differen