Wave Addition
The Wave Addition 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.
Users are encouraged to open the Interactive and explore. Or if a more directed experience is desired, The Physics Classroom has prepared an activity to accompany this Interactive. The activity pertains to wave interference and was designed with the intent of it being used by classroom teachers with their classes.
Our Wave Addition simulation is now available with a Concept Checker. Do the simulation. Then follow it up with the
Concept Checker.
We owe a special thanks to Physics teacher Martin Kirby for contributing this simulation to our Interactives collection. If you like this sim, you can tap on the
Donate button and buy him a cup of coffee (or a pot of coffee); he'd appreciate it. Martin has contributed many other simulations to our Interactives collection. You can view them all by visiting our page listing all
Martin Kirby Simulations. Or visit Martin's website (
kirbyx.com) to learn more.