SUPERPOSITION OF WAVE

SUPERPOSITION OF WAVE
SUPERPOSITION OF WAVE
SUPERPOSITION OF WAVE
SUPERPOSITION OF WAVE
SUPERPOSITION OF WAVE
SUPERPOSITION OF WAVE
SUPERPOSITION OF WAVE
Amplitudes of Reflected and Transmitted Waves

v1
Ai

Ar v2

At
v1

2v2
At = A
v1 + v2 i

v2 − v1
Ar = A
v1 + v2 1
 Amplitudes of Reflected and Transmitted Waves

CASE 01

When wave enters from Rarer to Denser medium then,

2v2
At = A μ2
v1 + v2 i μ1
Rarer medium Denser medium
v2 − v1
Ar = A
v1 + v2 1
μ1 μ2

Rarer medium Denser medium

 Amplitudes of Reflected and Transmitted Waves

CASE 02
When wave enters from Denser to Rarer medium then,

2v2
At = A μ2
v1 + v2 i μ1
Denser medium Rarer medium
v2 − v1
Ar = A
v1 + v2 1
μ1 μ2
Denser medium Rarer medium
Amplitudes of Reflected and Transmitted Waves
REFLECTION OF WAVES

REFLECTION OF WAVES

Reflection From Rigid End

Reflection From Free End

Reflection of Transverse Wave From Rigid End
When a transverse wave reflect from rigid end then crest will reflect in the
form of trough and trough will reflect in form of crest.

Phase difference between incident and reflected wave is 180°.

Mathematical Analysis for Rigid End

2v2 2×0
At = Ai = A =0 [∵ μ2 = ∞ for rigid media]
v1 + v2 v1 + v2 i

v2 − v1 0 − v1
At = Ai = A = −Ai
v1 + v2 v1 + 0 i
yi = asin(ωt − kx)

yr = asin(ωt + kx + π)
Reflection of Transverse Wave From Free End
When a transverse wave reflect from free end then crest will reflect
in the form of crest and trough will reflect in form of trough.

Phase difference between incident and reflected wave is 0°.

Mathematical Analysis for Free End

v2 − v1
Ar = A = Ai
v1 + v2 i

2v2
At = A = 2Ai
v1 + v2 i

yi = asin(ωt − kx)
yr = asin(ωt + kx)
Reflection of Longitudinal Wave From Fixed End

Compression

Fixed End

Incident Wave

Compression

Fixed End

Reflected Wave
Reflection of Longitudinal Wave From Free End

Rarefaction

Open End

Incident Wave

Compression

Open End

Reflected Wave
STANDING WAVE
If two sinusoidal waves of the same amplitude and wavelength travel
in opposite directions along a stretched string, then interference with
each other produces a standing wave.
STANDING WAVE
 Mathematical Analysis of Standing Wave

Suppose the equations of the waves in consideration are as follows :

y1 = A sin kx − ωt …(i)

y2 = A sin kx + ωt …(ii)

y = y1 + y2

y = A sin kx − ωt + A sin kx + ωt

y = A sin kx − ωt + sin kx + ωt

kx − ωt + kx + ωt kx − ωt − kx + ωt
y = A 2sin cos
2 2

y = 2A sin kx cos ωt
C+D C−D
sin C + sin D = 2 sin cos
2 2
Mathematical Analysis of Standing Wave

y = 2A sin kx cos ωt

Comparing with Equation of S.H.M y = As sin(ωt)

Amplitude Function of time

Conclusion

1. As this equation satisfies the wave equation, it represents a wave.

However, as it is not of the form f(ax ± bt), the wave is not travelling and so is called
standing or stationary wave.

2. The amplitude of the wave As = 2Acos kx is not constant but varies periodically
with position (and not with time).
 Nodes

The points for which amplitude is minimum are called nodes

Resultant Wave yR = 2Asin kx cos(ωt) = As cos(ωt)

Amplitude of particle As = 2Asin kx

For these points sin kx = 0,
2π
kx = 0, π, 2π, 3π……. here k =
λ
λ 3λ
x = 0, , λ, …….
2 2

In a stationary wave, nodes are equally spaced.

N N N N N
 Antinodes
The points for which amplitude is maximum are called antinodes

Resultant Wave yR = 2Asin kx cos(ωt) = As cos(ωt)

Amplitude of particle As = 2Asin kx

For these points sin kx = ± 1,

π 3π 5π 2π
kx = , , …….. here k =
2 2 2 λ
λ 3λ 5λ
x= , , ……..
4 4 4
In a stationary wave, antinodes are equally spaced.

AN AN AN AN
Important Point

Nodes Nodes Nodes Nodes Nodes

𝛌/2

𝛌/4 𝛌/2

Antinodes Antinodes Antinodes Antinodes

Distance between two successive nodes or successive antinodes is λ/2.

Distance between successive node to antinode or antinode to node is λ/4.
Note

(a) Particles of same loop are in phase and particles from adjacent loops
are in out of phase

(b) Phase difference between any two Particles in standing wave is either
zero or π
Important Point
All particles reach at their equilibrium position simultaneously
All particles reach at their extreme position simultaneously but it is
different for different particles(due to different amplitude).
Either side particles of a node are in opposite phase.
Either side particles of an antinode are in same phase.
In 1 complete vibration string appear straight twice.
Since loop pattern does not transfer in stationary waves, so speed of
stationary wave is zero.
GENERAL EQUATION OF STANDING WAVE
The general equation of a standing wave is as follows:

y = 2A sin (kx + α) sin (ωt + β )

EXAMPLE Two travelling waves produces a standing wave represented by equation, y =
1.0 mm cos(1.57 cm–1 ) x sin(78.5 s–1 )t. The node closest to the origin in the
region x > 0 will be at x = ......... cm. [ JEE MAINS 2021 ]

Solution

Ans. 1
 π
EXAMPLE Draw a standing wave represented by, y = 2A sin kx sin ωt + 6 at time t=0,

where x is in centimetres and t is in seconds.

Solution

2A

0
x(cm)
ㄧA

ㄧ2A
EXAMPLE For a standing wave having equation y = 2A sin kx cos ωt, where y is in cm,
find the minimum distance between the mean positions of two particles
whose amplitude is A.
y(cm)
Solution
2A
at t = 0
1 2
A 7λ 11λ
⇒ y = 2Asinkx = ±A 12 12
0 x(cm)
λ 5λ
1 12 12
−A
⇒ sinkx = ± 3 4
2 −2A

2π π 5π 7π 12π
⇒ x= , , , ………………..
λ 6 6 6 6
λ 5λ 7λ 11λ
⇒x= , , , ………………..
12 12 12 12 7λ 5λ λ
Ans. x3 − x2 = − =
12 12 6
NORMAL MODES OF VIBRATION OF A STRING
When both ends of string are fixed

When we introduce a disturbance in the string, a wave is set up in the string.

It travels in both directions while being reflected at each end. The incident and
the reflected waves interface to produce a standing a wave with the fixed
ends serving as the nodes.
NORMAL MODES OF VIBRATION OF A STRING
When both ends of string are fixed

With the boundary condition (nodes are

formed at the ends), the string having a
number of natural patterns of oscillation,
called normal modes.
 No. of No. of
Modes of Vibration Frequency Harmonic Overtone
Nodes Antinodes

λ = 2l
First 2 1
v
f=
2l

λ=l
Second First 3 2
v
f=
l

2l
λ=
3
Third Second 4 3
3v
f=
2l

2l
λ=
n
(n)th n-1 n+1 n
(n)v
f=
2l
NORMAL MODES OF VIBRATION OF A STRING
When one end of string is free

Consider a string of length L fixed at one end and free from another end

Node is formed Fixed end of the string and Antinode is formed at free end of
string

N AN
 No. of No. of
Modes of Vibration Frequency Harmonic Overtone
Nodes Antinodes

λ = 4l
v First 1 1
f=
4l

4l
λ=
3
Third First 2 2
3v
f=
4l

4l
λ=
5
Fifth Second 3 3
5v
f=
4l

4l
λ=
2n + 1
(2n+1)th n n+1 n+1
(2n + 1)v
f=
4l
CLOSED & OPEN ORGAN PIPE (COP)
The tube which is closed at one end and open at the other end is called
closed organ pipe.
The tube which is open at both ends is called an open organ pipe.

Open End Open End

Close End Open End

 No. of No. of
Modes of Vibration Frequency Harmonic Overtone
Nodes Antinodes

λ = 4l
First 1 1
v
f=
4l

4l
λ=
3 Third First 2 2
3v
f=
4l

4l
λ=
2n + 1
(2n+1)th n n+1 n+1
(2n + 1)v
f=
4l
 No. of No. of
Modes of Vibration Frequency Harmonic Overtone
Nodes Antinodes

λ = 2l 1 2
First
v
f= 2 1
2l

λ=l 2 3
Second First
v
f= 3 2
l

2l
λ= n n+1
n
(n)th n-1
(n)v n+1 n
f=
2l
EXAMPLE A string of length 1 m and mass 5 g is fixed at both ends. The tension in the
string is 8.0 N. The siring is set into vibration using an external vibrator of
frequency 100 Hz. The separation between successive nodes on the string is
close to: [ JEE MAINS 2019 ]
(A) 16.6 cm (B) 20.0 cm (C) 10.0 cm (D) 33.3 cm
Solution

Ans. B
EXAMPLE A string 2.0 m long and fixed at its ends is driven by a 240 Hz vibrator. The
string vibrates in its third harmonic mode. The speed of the wave and its
fundamental frequency is :- [ JEE MAINS 2019 ]
(A) 320m/s, 120 Hz (B) 180m/s, 80 Hz
(C) 180m/s, 120 Hz (D) 320m/s, 80 Hz

Solution

Ans. D
EXAMPLE A wire of density 9 × 10–3 kg cm–3 is stretched between two clamps 1 m
apart. The resulting strain in the wire is 4.9 × 10–4 . The lowest frequency of
the transverse vibrations in the wire is (Young’s modulus of wire Y = 9 ×
1010 Nm–2 ), (to the nearest integer), _________. [ JEE MAINS 2020 ]

Solution

Ans. 35
Important Point
𝜕y
(1) Since (slope) at antinode is always zero, therefore potential energy of
𝜕𝑥

an element at antinode is always zero.

𝜕y
(2) Since (velocity) of element at node is always zero therefore kinetic
𝜕𝑡

energy of an element at node is always zero.

Important Point

(3) The energy of one loop is coming independent of time and is equal to
1
E = 2 μA2 ω2 λ therefore energy of a loop remains conserved in standing

wave.

1 2 2
Energy of one loop E = μA ω λ
2

1
Energy of String E = μA2 ω2 λ n
2
Power Analysis in Standing Wave on String
T
𝜕y Tsinθ
P = − Tsinθ 𝜕t θ

𝜕y 𝜕y
P = −T [sinθ ≃ tanθ]
𝜕x 𝜕t

Important Point
𝜕y
1. Since value of (slope) at antinode is always zero, therefore according
dx

to equation power transmission through antinode is always zero.

𝜕y
2. Since value of (velocity) of element at node is always zero, therefore
dt

according to equation, power transmission through node is always zero.

3. One combining above two points it can be concluded that energy stored
in one loop or even in half loop remain conserved.
RESONANCE
When the frequency of tuning fork matches with the natural frequency
of vibration of the organ pipe then amplitude of vibration of air
molecules becomes very high this is called Resonance.
RESONANCE TUBE EXPERIMENT

Tuning Meter Scale Water

Fork reservoir

In this
experiment the
velocity of sound
in air is to be
Cylindrical found by using
tuning forks of
tube
known frequency.
The wavelength
of the sound will
be determined by
making use of the
resonance of an
air column.
Mathematical analysis of Resonance tube

l1
l2
λ
For first resonance l1 =
4
3λ
λ For Second resonance l2 =
l2 − l1 = 4
2
λ
l2 − l1 =
2

λ = 2(l2 − l1 )

If the frequency of the fork be f and the temperature of the air-column

be to T° C , then the speed of sound at T° C is given by

V=fλ
 Calculation of End Correction

In the resonance tube, the antinode is not formed exactly at the open end but
slightly outside at a distance e. Hence the length of the air column in the first
and second states of resonance are (l1 + e) and (l2 + e) then

e e
l1
l2
Calculation of End Correction

λ
For first resonance l1 + e = 4
3λ
For Second resonance l2 + e = 4
Subtract both the above resonance length to obtain wavelength of wave.

3λ λ
l2 − l1 = −
4 4
λ λ = 2(l2 − l1 )
l2 − l1 =
2

Put the value of λ from 3rd equation to 1st equation to find value of e

2(l2 − l1 )
l1 + e =
4

After solving the above equation l2 − 3l1

e=
2
EXAMPLE In an experiment to determine the velocity of sound in air at room
temperature using a resonance is observed when the air column has a length
of 20.0 cm for a tuning fork of frequency 400 Hz is used. The velocity of the
sound at room temperature is 336 ms–1 . The third resonance is observed
when the air column has a length of ____cm. [ JEE MAINS 2022 ]

Solution

Ans. 104
EXAMPLE A student is performing the experiment of resonance column. The diameter of
the column tube is 6 cm. The frequency of the tuning fork is 504 Hz. Speed of
the sound at the given temperature is 336 m/s. The zero of the meter scale
coincides with the top end of the resonance column tube. The reading of the
water level in the column when the first resonance occurs is:
(A) 13 cm (B) 16.6 cm (C) 18.4 cm (D) 14.8 cm
Solution [ JEE MAINS 2021 ]

Ans. D
EXAMPLE A tuning fork of frequency 480 Hz is used in an experiment for measuring
speed of sound (ν) in air by resonance tube method. Resonance is observed to
occur at two successive lengths of the air column, l1 = 30 cm and l2 = 70 cm.
Then ν is equal to : [ JEE MAINS 2019 ]
(A) 332 ms–1 (B) 379 ms –1 (C) 384 ms–1 (D) 338 ms –1

Solution

Ans. C
BEATS
When two sound waves of nearly equal frequencies (but not exactly equal)
travel in same direction, at a given point due to their superposition, intensity
alternatively increases and decreases periodically. This periodic change in
sound intensity w.r.t. time at a given position is known as beat phenomenon.
Let the two waves are

y = A1 sin ((ω1t – k1 x + ϕ1)

S1 x1
y = A1 sin ((ω1 t – k1 x1 + ϕ1)

y = A2 sin ((ω2 t – k 2 x2 + ϕ2)

x2
S2

y = A2 sin ((ω2t – k 2 x + ϕ2)

 y = A1 sin ( t– x+ 1)

x1
y = A1 sin ( t– x1 + 1)

y = A2 sin ( t– x2 + 2)
x2

Phase Difference y = A2 sin ( t– x+ 2)

∆ϕ
Δϕ = ω2 − ω1 t + K 2 x2 − K1 x1 + ϕ2 − ϕ1

∆ϕ = ω2 − ω1 t + K 2 x2 − K1 x1 + ϕ2 − ϕ1

Phase difference Phase difference Initial Phase

with time due to position difference
∆ϕ = ω2 − ω1 t

t1 = 0 Δϕ = 0 (maxima)

For next maxima Δϕ = 2π

ω2 − ω1 t 2 = 2π
2π 1
t2 = ⇒ t2 = ..... 1
ω2 − ω1 f2 − f1

For next maxima Δϕ = 4π

ω2 − ω1 t 3 = 4π

4π 2
t3 = ⇒ t3 = ..... 2
ω2 − ω1 f2 − f1
t1 = 0
1
t2 =
f2 − f1
2
t3 =
f2 − f1

Time between two maxima

T = t 2 − t1 = t 3 − t 2

1
T=
f2 − f1

Beat frequency = f2 − f1
BEATS
BEATS
BEATS
BEATS
BEATS
BEATS
Note

Waxing → 𝐟 ↓
01
Filing → 𝐟 ↑

𝐓↑ 𝐟↑
02
𝐓↓ 𝐟↓
EXAMPLE A tuning fork A of frequency 384 Hz gives 6 beats in 2 seconds when sounded
with another tuning fork B. What could be the frequency of B ?

Solution

Ans. 381 Hz or 387 Hz

EXAMPLE A tuning fork produces 4 beats per second with another tuning fork of
frequency 256 Hz. The first one is now loaded with a little wax and the beat
frequency is found to increase to 6 per second. What was the original
frequency of the tuning fork ?
Solution

Ans. 252 Hz
EXAMPLE A tuning fork A of unknown frequency produces 5 beats/s with a fork of known
frequency 340 Hz. When fork A is filed, the beat frequency decreases to 2
beats/s. What is the frequency of fork A ? [ JEE MAINS 2021 ]
(A) 342 Hz (B) 345 Hz (C) 335 Hz (D) 338 Hz

Solution

Ans. C
EXAMPLE The string of a violin emits a note of 440 Hz at its correct tension. The string is
bit taut and produces 4 beats per second with a tuning fork of frequency 440
Hz. Find the frequency of the note emitted by this taut string.
Solution

Ans. 444 Hz