When two or more waves meet up with each other while moving through the same medium, interference occurs. When you try to observe this phenomenon in real life, the two waves become lost in one another and it becomes difficult to perceive the principles that underlie the phenomenon. But this simulation comes to the rescue, allowing the learner to step through in slow motion and view the individual waves and the resulting shape of the medium. So drop that Slinky for a moment; you can get back to it later. But for now, take some time to explore the Wave Addition simulation and find out what is happening when you and your friend give each end a shake.
The Interactive provides the learner with a rich environment for exploring nearly all things that one might want to know about basic waves and their interference phenomenon. Study quantitative relationships and patterns between wavelength, frequency, speed, and amplitude. Compare longitudinal and transverse waves. Study constructive and destructive interference. Learn how a standing wave is formed. View beat patterns and manipulate them by altering the frequency of the interfering waves. These are just a few of the variety of things that you can do with this virtual wave environment. Launch it and explore.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Did you read something that was interesting? challenging? encouraging? disagreeable? worth pondering? You are invited to comment.