Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Superposition is the principle that when two or more waves overlap, the resulting wave displacement is the sum of the individual wave displacements. This principle applies to all types of waves, including mechanical and electromagnetic.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The principle of superposition is linear, meaning it holds true only for linear systems where wave amplitudes are small.
When two waves interfere constructively, their amplitudes add up, leading to a larger resultant wave.
When two waves interfere destructively, their amplitudes subtract from each other, potentially canceling out entirely if they are equal and opposite.
The superposition principle is crucial for understanding phenomena such as standing waves and beats in oscillatory motion.
Mathematically, if $y_1(x,t)$ and $y_2(x,t)$ are solutions to the wave equation, then $y(x,t) = y_1(x,t) + y_2(x,t)$ is also a solution.