Superposition

About this lab: Superposition

Interactive simulation for Cambridge AS Level Physics 9702 topic 8 Superposition: two travelling waves adding to a stationary wave with nodes and antinodes on a string and in open and closed pipes with a harmonic table, two coherent ripple sources with the antinodal lines and a probe reading the path difference, Young's double slit with fringes on a screen and x = λD/a, plane waves diffracting through a gap with the spreading set by gap/λ and the single-slit pattern, and a diffraction grating with the orders from d sin θ = nλ for monochromatic and white light.

Stationary waves on strings and in pipes, two-source interference and Young's double slit, diffraction through a gap, and the diffraction grating

Superposition is a free, browser-based simulation for Cambridge International AS & A Level Physics 9702 (topic 8 Superposition). The course is assessed in Paper 1 (multiple choice), Paper 2 (AS structured), Paper 3 (advanced practical), Paper 4 (A Level structured) and Paper 5 (planning, analysis and evaluation). There are 4 tabs, each a self-contained experiment with its own controls and live readings, and nothing to install: it runs on a laptop, tablet or classroom projector.

Syllabus coverage

• 8.1 Stationary waves: The principle of superposition; Demonstrating stationary waves: microwaves, strings, air columns; Nodes, antinodes, and wavelength determination. Lessons: Stationary waves.
• 8.2 Diffraction: Diffraction and the effect of gap width relative to wavelength. Lessons: Diffraction.
• 8.3 Interference: Interference and coherence; Two-source interference: water, sound, light, microwaves; Double-slit interference: λ = ax ÷ D. Lessons: Interference.
• 8.4 The diffraction grating: The grating equation: d sin θ = nλ; Determining the wavelength of light with a grating. Lessons: The diffraction grating.

Full syllabus map: AS Level Physics 9702 topic 8.

How to use this simulation

1. 1. Stationary waves.
2. 2. Interference.
3. 3. Diffraction.
4. 4. Diffraction grating.
5. The buttons at the end of the tab strip give the scene the whole window (Full screen, Hide controls) and, on a dark stage, a projector-friendly palette (Light scene). Many scenes also have drag handles: drag them to change the set-up directly.

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