Interference

This java applet shows how multiple wave sources interfere with one another. The frames may take a while to calculate, but just click on the forward button when it appears to animate the diagram.

Right click the diagram to view some input examples.



Enter values for a new source: (0,0 is at the centre of the square) Values are relative to the wavelength so that 0,1 will place a source 1 wavelength above 0,0. You can reset the wavelength after entering the sources to show how the interference patterns change. After entering new sources click calculate on the diagram or the recalculate button.

x position:
y position:
amp[0..1]:
phase in degrees:

           

Enter value and click Set   

The diagram shows intensity by default. Amplitude shows a less defined cut off that represents the spill we hear with real systems.

Start Animate and stop Animate control the animation of the ripple tank simulation. Calculation of the individual frames will continue.