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Ripples crossing: interference
Observing and explaining what happens when pulses and waves pass through each other. Interference effects are fundamental to wave behaviour.
This sequence of experiments allows students to see what happens when pulses and waves pass through each other. Amazingly, the two waves continue on their way as if there had never been an encounter. ‘Interference’ is an unfortunate term because the waves do not interfere with each other but rather pass through each other unchanged.
Experiments
Watching one ripple crossing another [2]
Interference with two sources, using fingers [3]
Interference with two sources, using vibrators [4]
Interference with plastic wave model [5]
Related Guidance
Asking questions [7]
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