PHYSICS FORM 4

WAVES
5.6 INTERFERENCE OF WAVES
Diagram shows a water waves when two stones are thrown in the
water. What happen if these waves overlap?
LEARNING
STANDARD 1
5.6.1 Explain the principle of
superposition of waves
 Activity 1

1. Hold the slinky spring at both ends. A pulse is given at each ends
simultaneously.

Obeserve what happen when the two pulses moving opposite direction meet together.

When two pulses meet, they overlap then continue to move in their original direction
• When two pulses meet,

• they overlap

• then continue to move in their

original directions.
2. Compare the amplitude of the waves after they meet with the amplitude of the
single waves before both waves pulses meet.
Amplitude of the waves after they meet is twice time higher.
3. Write an equation to relate both amplitudes of two pulses before they meet with
the resultant amplitude after they mee together.

a + a = 2a
4. Combining two overlapping waves can be explained by principle of superposition.

When two waves interfered, the resulting displacement of the medium at

any location is the algebraic sum of the displacements of the individual
waves.
• When two waves meet, they
superpose or combine at a particular
point.

• The waves are said to interfere. This

phenomenon is called interference.
5. What is Interference of Waves?
• Interference is the superposition of two waves originating from two
coherent sources.
Resultant Crest has higher amplitude Resultant trough has higher amplitude
Constructive Interference
 Resultant amplitude zero

Destructive Interference
 Two coherent sources
• The waves from coherent sources have the same
frequency (f), same wavelength and constant phase
difference.

Water waves: Sound: 2 loudspeakers

2 dippers
Light: two slits
Constructive Interference
Occurs when the crests or troughs
of both waves coincide to produce
a wave with crests and troughs of
maximum amplitude.
Destructive Interference
Occurs when crest of one wave
coincide with the trough of the other
wave, thus canceling each other with
the result that the resultant amplitude
is zero
 Constructive Destructive
Interference Interference
Water: Move up and Calm water
down

Light: bright region Light : dark region

Sound: loud sound Sound: soft sound /

silent
Antinode A point where constructive interference occurs

node A point where destructive interference occurs

Antinodal line A line which connects all antinode points

Nodal line A line which connects all node points

LEARNING
STANDARD 2
 5.2.2 Describe the pattern of
interference for: water waves,
sound waves and light waves
 Activity 2 To study inference patterns for water waves

2. The dippers are connected to the

same motor.
(a). Compare the frequency of the
two sets of continuous circular
waves.
Equal

(b) What is the name given to the

sources which has the same
frequency and same phase
difference?
Two coherent sources
3. The interferens pattern of water waves (b) What happens to the water at the
which is observed through a constructive interference region?
stroboscope.
Moves up and down with maximum
(a) Mark and label on the diagram amplitudes
the region: (c) What happens to the water at the
(i) constructive interference destructive interference region?
(ii) destructive interference
Calm water

Constructive
Interference

Destructive
interference
 • Node: Point where desctructive
• Antinode: point where constructive
interference occurs.
interference occurs.
Antinodal line Nodal line

• Antinodes line: Line connect all • Nodal line: Line connect all nodes
antinodes
 5(a) Mark points
Point A: two crests meet Constructive interfernce antinodes and nodes
Point B: two troughs meet Constructive interference (b) Draw and label
antinodal line
Point C: crest meet trough Destructive interference
(c) Draw and label
nodal line

Antinodal line

Nodal line
λ Wavelengths
a Distance between two coherent sources
D Distance between two coherent sources and point x is measured.

x Distance between two consecutive antinodal lines / nodal lines

x x x

a
Before During After
LEARNING
STANDARD 3
 5.6.3 Relate λ, a, x and D for
the wave interference pattern
 Activity 3 Factors affecting interference patterns
1. Diagram 1.5.7 shows interference pattern for water waves.
The interference pattern depend on the value of x. When x
changes, the interference pattern also changes. Write equation λ
= ax/D in terms of x.
1. Distance between two coherent sources, a (i) Compare distance, a. a>b
(ii) Compare distance, x. a<b
Rajah a Rajah b (iii) State relationship
between a & x
a inversely proportional to x
(iv) State two other physical
quantity that needs to be fixed
to ensure the top relationship is
correct.
(v) Draw graph of x D, λ
agains a
2. Wavelength, λ (i) Compare wavelength, λ a>b
(ii) Compare frequency, f. a<b
(ii) Compare distance, x. a>b
(iii) State relationship between λ and f
Inversely proportional
(iv) State relationship between λ and x
Directly proportional
(v) State two other physical quantity
that needs to be fixed D, a
(v) Draw graph x against λ
3. Distance from two sources to the point of
measurement of x, D
(i) State relationship between D and x
Directly proportional
(ii) State two other physical quantity that
needs to be fixed to ensure the top a and λ
relationship is correct.
(iii) Draw graph x against D
 • The interferences pattern depends on distance x..
If distance x is small, If distance x is bigger, interference
Interference pattern is closer pattern is less and longer distance.

Relationship Fixed variable

λ directly proportional to x D, a
D directly proportional to x a, λ
x = λD a inversely proportional to x D, λ
a
Activity 4 To show interference patterns for light wave
Apparatus: laser pointer, double slit, white screen, meter ruler and retort stand.
1. Starts the experiment by measuring distance between double slit and screen, D = 2.0 m
2. Red and dark fringes are formed on the screen. The
distance between five consecutive bright red fringes,
y, is measured and recorded.
3. The distance between two consecutive bright red
fringes, x, is calculated.

x = 9.0 – 1.8 = 1.8 cm

4
3. The distance between two consecutive bright red fringes, x, is calculated and recorded.

4. The experiment is repeated with:

(a) size of the gap
(b) distance
1. Red light from the laser pen is a monochromatic light. What is meant by
monochromatic light?
Light with one color @ wavelength
2. Describe the interference pattern observed when light passes through the double slit.

Bright and dark line alternately and uniformly

4. The wavelength of waves can be calculated using Young’s formula

Wavelength

Distance between two slits

Distance between double slits and screen

Distance between two consecutive bright light

4. Calculate the wavelength for red light, λ

1.8

λ = ax = 0.5 x 10-3 1.8 x 10-3

D 2

λ = 0.45 x 10-6 m = 4.5 x 10-7 m

 Y = 1.4 cm

y = distance between 11 fringes

= 10 x = 1.4 cm
x = 1.4 cm = 0.14 cm = 1.4 mm
10
a = 0.5 mm D=1m λ=?
λ = ax = 0.5 x 10-3 x 1.4 x 10-3
D 1

λ = 0.70 x 10-6 m = 7.0 x 10-7 m

6. What will happen to the fringes on the screen when

(a) Distance between double slit and skrin, D is decreased.

Decreases
(b) Red light of the laser pointer is replaced by blue light.

Decreases λred > λblue

(c) Distance between double slit, a is increased.
decreases

Relationship Fixed variable

λ directly proportional to x D, a
x = λD
D directly proportional to x a, λ
a a inversely proportional to x D, λ
 Activity 4 To study the interference of sound wave
1. The audio generator is switched on: Walk in a straight path at a distance of D from the
loudspeakers.
1. The two loudspeakers are the sources of the two coherent sound waves. Why?

Both loudspeakers are connected to the same audio generator

2. What can you observe when the two sound waves overlap?
Loud sound and soft sound alternately.

3. Explain your observation.

Loud sound: constructive interference.
Soft sound: destructive interference

4. Why this experiment must be done in an open area?

To avoid the reflection of sound

5. The wavelength of waves can be calculated using Young’s
formula:

Wavelength

Distance between two

loudspeakers
Distance between loudspeakers
and where x is measured
Distance between two
successive loud sound.
LEARNING
STANDARD 4
 5.6.4 Solve problems
involving interference of
waves.
 Activity 6 Solve problems involving Interference of waves
1. In an experiment on the interference of sound waves, two
loudspeakers are placed at a distance of 2.0 m from each other. The
distance between two consecutive loud sounds is 1.0 m and the listener
is at a distance of 3.0 m from the loudspeakers. What is the
wavelength of the sound wave used?

λ = (2.0)(1.0) = 0.67 m
3.0
2. In an experiment on the interference of water waves by using a big water tank,
the distance between two vibrator is 5.0 cm and the distance from the vibrator
to the position where antinodal line is observed is 50.0 cm. If the distance
between two consecutive antinodal lines is 16.0 cm, calculate the wavelength of
the waves produced by the vibrator.

λ = (5.0)(16.0) = 1.6 cm
50.0
3. The diagram shown represents the phenomena of interference of
water waves. What is the wavelength of the water waves?

x = 16.0 = 4.0 cm
4
λ = (4.0)(4.0) = 0.8 cm
20.0
4. In an experiment on the interference of waves, two loudspeakers are placed at a
distance of 1.5 m from each other. They are connected to an audio signal
generator to produce coherent sound waves at a frequency of 0.5 kHz. Calculate

(a) the wavelength of the sound wave if the

speed of sound is 300 ms-1

λ = 300 = 0.6 m
0.5 x 1000
(b) the distance between two consecutive soft sounds at
a distance of 5 m from the source of the sound.

x = 0.6 x 5 = 2.0 m
1.5
5. In a Young’s double slit experiment, the distance between the double slit and the
screen is 4.0 m and the separation of the two slits is 0.5 mm. Calculate the distance
between two consecutive bright fringes for red light with a wavelength of 7.0 x 10-7 m.

x = (7.0 x 10-7)(4.0) = 0.0056 m = 5.6 mm

0.5 x 10-3
6. The wavelength of light can be determined with a double-slit plate. Diagram shows
the pattern of interference fringes obtained in Young’s double-slit experiment. The
separation of distance of the two slits is 0.25 mm and the distance between the screen
and the double slit plate is 3.0 m. Calculate the wavelength of light used in the
experiment.

x = 14 mm = 2 mm = 2 x 10-3 m
7
λ = (0.25 x 10-3)(2 x 10-3) = 0.17 x 10-6 m
3.0
= 1.7 x 10-7 m
LEARNING
STANDARD 5
5.6.5 Communicate on the
application of interference of
waves in daily life
Bubous bow generates water waves which
interfere destructively with the water waves
around the hull. This causes the water around the
ship to become calmer and thus, reduces water
drag.
Coating on the surface of anti-reflection lens
causes reflected light to interfere
destructively. This helps to improve vision.
Microphone and transmitter system in head-
phones used on aero planes produces sound
waves which interfere destructively with the
surrounding noise.
You've reached cruising altitude on your transatlantic flight. The
crew has turned on their cool new blue nighttime lights, and it's
time to fall asleep. The super relaxing jet white noise will block out
extraneous noise and calm your mind. You can also use it for
studying, reading, homework, writer's block, etc.
TUTORIAL 5.6
x = (550 x 10-9)(1.5) = 0.00017 m
(24/5) x 10-3
x = (6.5 x 10-7)(3) = 3.9 x 10-3 m
0.5 x 10-3
λ = (2.0)(2.5) = 0.71 cm
7.0
SPM 2005

Dua sumber gelombang yang

mempunyai frekuensi / λ yang
sama dan beza fasa sama
Two waves sources which have
same frequency /λ and same
phase difference
Puncak bertemu puncak /
lembangan bertemu lembangan
Crest meets crest / trough meets
trough
 SPM 2010

6.1 > 6.2

6.1 < 6.2

a is inversely proportional to x
a berkadar songsang dengan x

D, λ

Interference / interferens
 Decreases / berkurang
Number of complete oscillation per
second
Bilangan ayunan lengkap dalam masa
satu saat.
λ decreases as f increases, λ berkadar
terus dengan x
λ berkurang bila f bertambah, λ
berkadar terus dengan x
 SPM 2016

Same frequency, same wavelength and

constant phase difference // frekuensi
sama, panjang gelombang sama dan
beza fasa tetap
 6.2 is smaller // 6.2 lebih pendek

6.2 is bigger// 6.2 lebih besar

Same distance// sama jarak

Inversely proportional// berkadar songsang

interference// interference
Loud sounds due to constructive interference
Soft sounds due to destructive interference//
bunyi kuat – interferens membina
Bunyi lemah – interferens memusnah
Sources that produce waves of the same
frequency and same phase difference
Sumber yang hasilkan gelombang yang
sama frekuensi dan beza fasa yang sama.
 The ship moves up and down with higher
amplitude at A. Constructive
interference occurs at A
Kapal bergerak terumbang ambing
dengan amplitud tinggi di A. Interferens
membina berlaku di A.
The ship remains calm at B. Destructive
interference occurs at B
Kapal pegun di B. Interferens memusnah
berlaku di B.
Located at the bay
Lokasi di teluk
sloping retaining wall / tembok
penahan bercerun
Uneven surface
Permukaan tidak rata
High retaining wall
Tembok penahan yang tinggi
Water is calmer
Air lebih tenang
Slow down the speed
Laju lebih perlahan
Absorb energy and reduce amplitude of the
wave / Serap tenaga dan kurangkan
amplitud gelombang
Prevent water from overflowing
Elak air melimpah ke pelabuhan

Choose W: located at the bay, sloping retainin wall, uneven surface dan
high retaining wall / lokasi di teluk, tembok penahan bercerun, permukaan
tidak rata dan tembok penahan yang tinggi.
 SPM 2010

Wavelength is the distance between two

successive crest / trough
Panjang gelombang ialah jarak antara dua
puncak/lembangan berturutan
Wavelength: red > green
Panjang gelombang: merah > hijau
Distance is equally space in red fringe or
green fringes. Jarak antara dua pinggir
berturutan sama bagi pinggir merah & hijau.
Distance between two successive fringe of
red > green / Jarak antara dua pinggir
berturutan merah > hijau
The fringes separation increases with the
wavelength / jarak antara dua pinggir
berturutan berkadar terus dengan Panjang
gelombang

Interference / Interferens
At night, the ground cools quickly
Malam, tanah lebih cepat sejuk
Sound travels from cool air to hot air
Bunyi merambat dari udara sejuk ke
udara panas
Speed of sound increases
Laju bunyi bertambah
Sound waves refract away from
normal line (bend towards the
observer)
Bunyi terbias menjauhi garis normal
(terbias ke arah pemerhati)
 Modification Reason
Parabolic reflector Heat will be focused
Pemantul cekung Haba ditumpukan
Shining / smooth surface Reflection will be effective
Permukaan berkilat / licin Pantulan lebih berkesan
Larger diameter More heat will be collected
Diameter besar Lebih banyak haba dikumpul
Placed at the focal point Heat converge to kettle
Kedudukan pada titik fokus Haba ditumpukan ke cerek
Facing the sun Can collect/capture more
Mengadap matahari solar energy / boleh kumpul
lebih banyak tenaga matahari