………………………………… is a point at

LESSON 6 - Interference of waves which

………………………………… interference
Meaning of Interference occurs.
Interference is the superposition of two waves …………………………………..interference
originating from two coherent sources. occurs
Two waves are in coherent if they are of the same Interference of water waves
frequency, same amplitude and in phase (same phase)
There are two types of interference : To produce the interference pattern of the water waves in
(a) Constructive interference occurs when the a ripple tank we can use:
crests or troughs of both waves coincide to (a) Two dippers operated from the same motor,
produce a wave with maximum amplitude.
(b) Destructive interference occurs when the
crests of one wave coincide with the trough of
the other waves to produce a wave with zero
amplitude.
Or
Interference of the waves is a result or obeys the

21
(b) A plane water waves passing through two slits.
principle of superposition.

Principle of superposition
Principle of superposition state that “ When two waves

20
move simultaneously and coincide at a point the sum of
the displacements at that point is equal to the sum of the
displacements of the individual waves by vector method.
(a) Superposition of two crests

P Analysing Interference pattern of water waves

ale T
r s AK

…………………………………………...interferen
ce
t fo by

………………………………… is a point at
which
…………………………………. interference
occurs.
(b) Superposition of two troughs
No ited
Ed

…………………………………………...interferen
ce
……………………………………is a point at
which
…………………………………. interference
occurs.
(c) Superposition of a crest and a trough

…………………………………………interferenc
e

45
 As D increases , x increases
As a increases , x decreases

The figure shows the interference pattern produced by

two sources of water P and Q.
To analyse the interference pattern of water waves
,please follow this instructions:
1. Mark with a cross (x) in the figure the points
where the crests coincide crests .
2. Mark with a star (*) in the figure the points where
the troughs coincide troughs .
The points (x) and (*) is called as
_____________.
_______________ is a point where the total As λ increases , x increases
displacement is ______________or
____________.
At the points ______________interference occurs.

21
3. Mark with a circle (○) in the figure the points
where a crest coincide with a trough.
The points (○) is called as _____________.
_______________ is a point where the total

20
displacement is ______________.
At the points ______________ interference occurs.
4. Connect the points (x) and (*) to produce several
lines that we call as _____________________
lines
5.
P
Connect the points (○) to produce several lines that
we call as _____________________ lines
As a increases , x decrease
ale T
6. Draw a straight line parallel to sources. We can the
line as ____________________line
r s AK
7. Measure the distance between the two sources, a =
................................ cm
8. Measure the distance between the sources and the
detector line,D =................................cm.
9. Measure the distance between two successive node
lines, x =................................cm
t fo by

10. Calculate the value of a x = .................cm

D
11. Measure the wavelength of the water waves, 
=..............................
No ited

12. Compare the value of  with a x

D
Hence  = a x
D

Where , λ = the wavelength of the

Ed

water
waves
a = the distance between two
dippers
x = the distance between two
successive nodal or
antinodal line
D = the distance between
dippers
and detector line

How to change the pattern of interference of waves?

The pattern of interference depends on the distances
between two consecutive nodal or antinodal lines , x.
How to change x ?
From the formula λ = a x
D
Hence x = λ D
a
Conclusion : As λ increases , x increases

46
The experiment to investigate the relationship between Interference of light waves
the distance between to coherent sources and the When light from the same source passes through two
distance between two consecutive nodal lines narrow slits which are close together the effect
known as interference can be seen as the bright and
Hypothesis: dark fringes.
The distance between two consecutive node lines The bright fringes to be formed by constructive
increases as the distance between to coherent sources Interference and the dark fringes to be formed by
decreases destructive interference.
Aim of the experiment :
To investigate the relationship between the distance
between to coherent sources and the distance between two
consecutive node lines
Variables in the experiment:
Manipulated variable: the distance between to coherent
sources
Interference fringes produce by using Double-slit

21
Responding variable: the distance between two consecutive
interference Young’s experiment.
node lines
For all practical purposes, monochromatic light is
Fixed variable: frequency of vibrator or the wavelength
used.
List of apparatus and materials:
Monochromatic light which is light of only one colour

20
Ripple tank, lamp, motor ,wooden bar , power supply
or one wavelength.
,white paper , spherical dippers ,metre rule and mechanical
The formula for interference of light waves is,
stroboscope.
Arrangement of the apparatus: = ax

P Where,
D
ale T
λ = wavelength of light waves
a = slit separation
r s AK
x = distance between two successive bright or
dark fringes
D = distance between double slit and screen.

Example 2
t fo by

The procedure of the experiment which include the

method of controlling the manipulated variable and the
method of measuring the responding variable.
By using a metre rule , the distance between two dippers is
measured = a
No ited
In a double-slit interference experiment with blue light the
distance between the screen and double slit is 1.2 m and
slit separation is 2 x 10-4 m . Six successive bright fringes

at a distance 1.2 x 10 -2 m is formed on the screen.

The power supply is switched on to produce two circular Calculate the wavelength of the blue light.
waves from the dippers
The waves are freeze by a mechanical stroboscope. Solution
The waves are sketched on the screen.
By using the metre rule , the distance between two
Ed

consecutive nodal lines is measured = x

The experiment is repeated 5 times for with different The experiment to investigate the relationship between
distances between two dippers the wavelength of the light waves distance and the
Tabulate the data: distance between two consecutive bright fringes
a
x Hypothesis:
Analysis the data: The distance between two consecutive bright fringes
Plot the graph x against a increases as the wavelength of light waves increases.
Aim of the experiment :
To investigate the relationship between the wavelength of
Example 1
the light waves distance and the distance between two
In an experiment to investigate the pattern interference of a
consecutive bright fringes
water waves, the distance between two spherical dippers is
Variables in the experiment:
2.5 cm and the distance between two consecutive antinodal
Manipulated variable: The wavelength of the light waves(
lines is 5.0 cm. What is the wavelength of the water waves
colour of light)
if when the distance from two dippers to the point of
Responding variable: the distance between two consecutive
measurement is 10 cm.
bright fringes
Constant variable: slit separation and the distance between
Solution
double slit and screen.

47
List of apparatus and materials: Example 3
Source of light,colour filter, screen, single slit, double slit In an experiment on the interference of sound wave a
and metre rule. listener at distance 5.0 from the loudspeaker. The distance
Arrangement of the apparatus: between two loudspeakers is 2.0 m. The loudspeakers are
connected to an audio-frequency generator to produce
sound waves at a frequency of 0.8 kHz.
Calculate
(a) the wavelength of sound waves when the speed of
sound is 320 ms-1
(b) the distance between two successive loud regions

Solution:

The experiment to investigate the relationship between

The procedure of the experiment which include the
method of controlling the manipulated variable and the
method of measuring the responding variable.
A green filter is placed between the light source and the
21
distance of the listener from the loudspeaker and the
distance between two successive loud regions
Hypothesis:
the distance between two successive loud regions increases

20
slits. as distance between the listener from the loudspeaker
The source of light is switched on. increases .
The interference pattern formed on the screen is observed Aim of the experiment :
and drawn. To investigate the relationship between distance between
By using a metre rule the distance across 6 consecutive the listener from the loudspeaker and the distance between
bright fringes is measured.
P
The distance between two consecutive bright fringes is
two successive loud regions
Variables in the experiment:
ale T
calculated , x = L Manipulated variable: Responding variable: distance
5 between the listener from the loudspeaker
r s AK

The experiment is repeated 5 times for with different Responding variable: the distance between two successive
colour filters loud regions
Tabulate the data: Constant variable: the wavelength of sound waves ,
λ distance between two loudspeakers
x List of apparatus and materials:
t fo by

Analysis the data: Two loudspeakers, audio-frequency generator ,connection

Plot the graph x against λ wires and metre rule.
Arrangement of the apparatus:

The arrangement of colour of light in order of

No ited

wavelength
Ed

Interference of sound waves
Like other types of waves ,sound waves can also give
interference effects. Interference of sound waves produce
regions of louder sound by constructive interference and
regions quiet by destructive interference.
When two similar loudspeakers are connected to the same
audio-frequency generator they will produce interference
effects.
The formula for interference of sound waves is,
= ax
D distances between the listener from the loudspeaker
Where,
λ = wavelength of sound waves
a = distance between two loudspeakers
x = distance between two successive loud
regions or quiet region.
D = distance between the listener from the
loudspeaker.
The procedure of the experiment which include the
method of controlling the manipulated variable and the
method of measuring the responding variable.
By using a metre rule the distance between the listener
from the loudspeaker is measured= D
The audio-frequency generator is switched on.
The listener is requested to walk in a straight path and the
distance between two successive loud regions is measured
by a metre rule = x
The experiment is repeated 5 times for with different
Tabulate the data:
D
x
Analysis the data:
Plot the graph x against D

48
 TUTORIAL 6
4 Diagram shows the set up of a ripple tank to study
1 The figure shows two impulse waves traveling wave phenomena.
towards each other along the length of a rope.
Which of the following figure shows the pattern of
the impulse waves after passed through point O.

Which of the following figure shows the pattern of

the impulse waves after passed through point O.

21
20
2 Figure shows two impulse waves travelling towards
What is the phenomenon that can be observed using
each other.
this set up?

P A
C
Interference
Reflection
B
D
Refraction
Diffraction
ale T
5 Which diagram shows the the interference patterns
r s AK

Which of the following figure shows when both of thewater wave.

waves meet at the point P?
t fo by
No ited

3 The figure shows two impulse waves travelling

towards each other with a speed 2 cms-1 respectively.
Ed

Which of the following shows the pattern of the

impulse waves after 1 s?

6 Which of the following wave property changes when

interference of waves occur?

A Speed B Wavelength
C Amplitude D Frequency

49
7 The diagram shows an inteference pattern of water
waves from two coherent sources X and Y.

Which of the points, do costructive inteference

occur ?

21
A A, B and C
B A, B and D
At which points do constructive interference
C A, C and D
occur?
D B, C and D

20
A P and Q B Q and R
8 The figure shows an interference pattern of two
C R and S D P and S
coherent water waves of sources, P and Q.
11 The figure shows plane water waves approaching two

P slits between three obstacles.

ale T
r s AK

The phenomena involved are

t fo by

Which of the positions A,B,C or D, does the A refraction and reflection

amplitude of the water waves is zero.
9 The figure shows the wave pattern formed by waves
from two coherent sources.
No ited
B reflection and diffraction
C refraction and interference
D diffraction and interference

12 Diagram shows the phenomenon of interference of

water waves from two coherence sources.
Ed

Antinode points are

A W and X B X and Z
C Y and Z D W and Y

10 Diagram shows the superposition of two water

waves.

What is the wavelength of the water waves ?

A 0.8 cm B 1.2 cm
C 3.2 cm D 5.0 cm

50
13 Diagram shows an interference pattern of water 17 In an experiment of light interference using green
waves. light of wavelength 5 x 10 - 7 m , two consecutive
bright fringes formed on the screen are 0.4 mm apart.
When the experiment is repeated using red light two
consecutive bright fringes formed 0.48 mm are apart.
What is the wavelength of the red light ?

A 2.4 x 10 - 7 m B 4.2 x 10 - 7 m
C 5.0 x 10 - 7 m D 6.0 x 10 - 7 m

18 In an experiment of light interference , the distance

two successive bright or dark fringes depends on

A width of slit
B colour of light is used

21
The distance between two consecutive nodes, x will C intensity of the source of light is used
increase when
19 The figure shows the arrangement of apparatus in
A frequency of water waves is increased Young’s double slit experiment.

20
B wavelength of water waves is decreased
C distance between two coherent sources, a is
decreased.
D perpendicular distance from the sources to
where x is measured, D is decreased.

14 P
Monochromatic light which is light of only one ____
ale T
A phase B colour
r s AK

C amplitude D intensity

15 The figure shows a monochromatic light is passed

through a double slit.
The distance between two consecutive bright fringes
t fo by

increases when

A slit separation increases

B the width of slit increases
C the distance between the screen and the
No ited

double-slit plat decreases

D the green filter is replaced by a red filter.

Which of the following formed on the screen? 20 The figure shows are the patterns of interference by
using red filter, green filter and blue filter which are
Ed

A two bright bands not arranged in order.

B a spectrum of light
C a pattern of alternating bright and dark regions

16 The figure shows the fringe pattern obtained in a

double slit experiment when a monochromatic light is
used. The slits are 3 x 10-4 m apart and the screen is
3.0 m away from the slits.

What is the length of the monochromatic light ?

A 5.0x10-7 m C 2.5 x10-6 m Which of the following is the correct filter for
C 7.5x10-6 m D 5.0 x 10 - 8 m respective patterns of interference?

51
 P Q R 24 The figure shows the arrangement of apparatus the
interference of sound waves experiment.
A red blue green
B blue red green
C green blue red
D green red blue

21 Diagram represents the fringe pattern obtained in a

double-slit experiment using monochromatic light of
red colour.

Which of the following is correct when the red light

is replaced by green light? The distance between two consecutive loud sounds

21
increases as

A the diameter of the loudspeaker increases

B the frequency of the audio-frequency generator

20
increases
C the distance between two loudspeakers
increases
D the distance between the loudspeaker and the

P line XY increases
ale T
25 Diagram shows the positions of loud and soft
sounds produced along the line PQ when the audio
r s AK
signal generator is switched on.
t fo by

22 In an experiment of light interference the distance

between two consecutive bright fringes ,x varies with
distance between double slit and screen, D.
No ited

Which of the following graphs shows the correct

relationship between x and D?

The distance between consecutive loud sounds, x,

Ed

will increase when

A M is increased
B frequency is increased
C wavelength is decreased
D b is increased

26 Diagram 26.1 shows two coherence waves moves to

each other with a speed 10 cms-1.
23 In experiment of the interference of waves, two
loudspeakers are placed at a distance of 1.5 m from
each other. The distance between two consecutive
soft sounds is 6.0 m and the listener at a distance 4.5
m from the loudspeakers.
What is the wavelength of the sound waves is used?

A 1.25 m B 1.50 m Diagram 26.1

C 2.00 m D 3.00 m

52
 (a) What is meaning of coherence?
……………………………………………
……………………………………………
(b) On Diagram 26.2 draw the wave pattern after
1.0 s.

Diagram 26.2

(c) Name the physics principle involves.

21
……………………………………………
Diagram 28.1

27 A group of students carried out an experiment using a Diagram 28.2 and Diagram 28.3 show the wave

ripple tank. Diagram 27 shows the interference
pattern observed when two plastic spheres, S1 and S2
vibrates. The spheres were attached to a vibrator and
are separated by a distance of 5.0 cm.
20
pattern produced on screen when the distance
between two source of wave are different.

P
ale T
r s AK

Diagram 27 Key : x = distance between two nodal lines

t fo by

(a) Waves from S1 and S2 are coherent. Explain Diagram 28.2 Diagram 28.3
what is coherent
…………………………………………………… (a) What is the meaning of coherent source ?
No ited

(b) What will happen to the amplitude of water …………………………………………………

waves at the point of superposition when crests (b) Describe how dark and bright bands are formed
from S1 and S2 meet? on the screen when there is a wave in ripple
…………………………………………………… tank.
………………………………………………....
(c) What are the phenomena’s being observed at
Ed

………………………………………................
(i) point P and Q (c) Observe Diagram 28.2 and Diagram 28.3
………………………………………… (i) compare the distance between two
(ii) point R sources of wave.
………………………………………… …………………………….......................
(iii) point T (ii) compare the distance between two
………………………………………… consecutive antinodal lines.
…………………………………………
28 Diagram 28.1 shows a ripple tank with two spherical (d) Based on the answers in (c),
dippers attached to the vibrating bar as source of two
coherent wave. (i) State the relationship between the
distance of two sources of wave and
distance of two consecutive antinodal
lines.
………………………………………..
………………………………………..
(ii) name the wave phenomena involves
……………………................................

53
30 Diagram 30 shows an experiment to determine the
wavelength of monochromatic light waves by using a
red light source.

21
Diagram 30
(a) What is meant by monochromatic light?

20
…..…………………………………………
Rajah 30
(b) Why are red fringes formed on the screen ?
....................................................................... (a) What type of wave for the sound wave.

(c) P
The distance between the Young double slit (b)
………………………………………
Why the loud sound is heard at the
positions of the student standing?
ale T
and the screen is 3.0 m. The double slit used
has the slit separation is 5 x 10-4 m. ………………………………………
………………………………………
r s AK
Calculate the wave length of the red light.
(c) The distance between the two
loudspeakers is 1.5 m. At a distance
10.0 m from the loud speakers , the
distance between two successive loud
sound is 4.0 m.
t fo by

Calculate the wavelength of the sound

wave.

(d) The red light is replaced by the green light.

No ited

(i) What happen to distance between two

consecutive dark fringes. (d) The frequency of the sound wave is
…………………………………… increased .
(ii) Give the reason for your answer in (i) What happens to the distance
between two successive loud
Ed

(d)(i).
................................................................ sound?
................................................................ ………………………………
(ii) Give the reason for your answer in
31 Diagram 31 shows two loud speakers are connected (d)(i).
to an audio frequency generator. ………………………………
Each student stands at position of loud sound is ………………………………
heard. ………………………………
32 Diagram 32 shows a headphone which is used
by an air traffic officer at the airport to reduce
incoming loud noise. The incoming noise is
detected by the microphone and is processed by
a system of a computer and speakers inside the
headphones.

54
 (a) Based on the graph on Diagram 33,
(i) State the relationship between x and f.

…………..………………………………
(ii) Determine the frequency, f, when the
distance between two adjacent loud
sounds, x, is 2.0 m. Show on the graph
how you determined f.

Diagranm 32
(iii) Calculate the gradient of the graph, m.
(a) State the phenomenon that is used to Show on the graph how you determined

21
reduce the noise by the computer and the the gradient.
microphone in the headphone.
…………………………………………...
(b) Draw a wave form diagram to explain

20
your answer in (b). ax
(b) Given that  and v = f, write an
D
expression of v in terms of D, f, a,v and x.

P
ale T
33 A student carries out an experiment to investigate the (c) Given that x f = m.
interference of sound waves. Two loudspeakers are By using the value of the gradient, m,
r s AK
connected to an audio signal generator. The student obtained in (a)(iii) and the expression
measured the distance between two adjacent loud in (b), calculate the velocity of sound in
sounds, x, for different values of frequency, f. The air when D = 2.8 m and a = 1.2 m.
1
student then plots a graph of f against as shown
x
t fo by

in Diagram 33 (d) State two precautions that should be taken

during this experiment.

...……………………………………………….
No ited

…………………………………………………
Ed

Diagram 33

55
34 Diagrams 34.1 and 34.2 show interference patterns Based on the information and observation:
using coherent sources of waves, λ. (a) State one suitable inference.
(b) State one suitable hypothesis.
(c) With the use of apparatus such as two loudspeakers,
signal generator and other apparatus, describe one
experiment to investigate the hypothesis stated in (b)
In your description, state clearly the following:
(i) Aim of the experiment
(ii) Variables in the experiment
(iii) List of apparatus and materials
(iv) Arrangement of the apparatus
(v) The procedure of the experiment which include
Diagram 34.1 the method of controlling the manipulated
variable and the method of measuring the
responding variable

21
(vi) Way you would tabulate the data
(vii) Way you would analysis the data

20
Diagram 34.2 P
ale T
r s AK

(a) What is meant by coherent waves ?

(b) Compare Diagram 34.1 and 34.2 .
Relate λ and x to make a deduction regarding the
relationship of both quantities.
t fo by

35 Diagram 35 shows a technician checking and testing

the audio system in a mini theater by changing his
seating positions. Clear and loud sound can only be
heard at position P and Q which is equals to 4 seating
away from each other with a certain distance from
No ited

the loudspeakers . When the technician moves further

the loudspeakers ,the clear and loud sounds can be
heard between Q and R which is equals to 6 seating
away from each other. A student who moves his ear
near a vibrating tuning
Ed

fork hears loud and soft sounds alternately.

Diagram 35 shows the positions of loud sounds are
closer together.
Diagram 35 shows the positions of loud sound are
further apart.

Diagram 35

56