I keep getting “Superposition” questions wrong in Waves & Sound. What's the trap?
adding intensities directly before considering phase.
The usual trap: adding intensities directly before considering phase. How to avoid it: add displacements with phase first, then find intensity. Go back to the definition — When waves overlap, their displacements add algebraically at each point. Constructive and destructive interference are consequences of this linear addition, not permanent destruction of energy.
Key point
Superposition
Common mistake
adding intensities directly before considering phase.
Memory tip
add displacements with phase first, then find intensity.
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