Bozeman Science: Physics: Wave Interference

In the following video, Paul Andersen explains how waves will diffract (or bend) around an obstacle or while traveling through an opening. Diffraction will be maximized when the size of the opening or obstacle matches the wavelength. [4:20]

Why did the waves get into a fight? They were tired of each other's interference. Scholars observe the wave patterns from dripping water, sound waves, and light waves. They vary the spacing, build barriers, and increase the number...

In this video, Paul Andersen explains how constructive and destructive interference can create interference patterns. Interference patterns can be created by all types of waves, including water, sound, and light. A classic experiment...

Take a look at an organized physics course. The 34-section electronic textbook covers material in AP® Physics 1 and 2. Teachers use the text to supplement lectures and have the class work through the labs. Each section contains...

Paul Andersen explains how diffraction can be affected by the size of the wavelength. When waves pass through an opening or move around an obstacle, a shadow region is created. The size of the shadow zone will decrease as the wavelength...

Young scientists investigate the scientific concepts and principles that help make common toys such as hula hoops, yo-yos, slinkies, and silly putty work. As a class, they read "Backyard Rocket Science, Served Wet" to get a look behind...

A video lecture investigating when two waves superpose to create a resultant wave. This phenomenon called interference is discussed in detail in this video including what happens in constructive and destructive interference. Also learn...

[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] What wave interference is, constructive and destructive interference and how standing waves occur.

Paul Andersen explains how standing waves are created through the reflection and interference of traveling waves. Destructive interference creates areas of no movement called nodes. Constructive interference creates areas of maximum...

Paul Andersen explains how traveling waves move through space and time. The reflection and interference of traveling waves can create standing waves which appear motionless. Examples of traveling waves in one and two dimensions are...