Wave Interference Simulation
Visualizing coherent wave sources and their interference patterns
Wavelength (λ)
50 px
Adjust the distance between wave crests
Amplitude
30 px
Set the height of the wave peaks
Source Separation
200 px
Distance between the two wave sources
Physics of Wave Interference
This simulation demonstrates the interference pattern produced by two coherent wave sources (S₁ and S₂) as described by the principle of superposition:
- Constructive interference occurs when waves arrive in phase (Δφ = 2πn), creating points of maximum displacement (antinodes).
- Destructive interference occurs when waves arrive out of phase (Δφ = π + 2πn), creating points of minimum displacement (nodes).
- The path difference (Δx = |S₂P - S₁P|) determines the phase difference: Δφ = (2π/λ)Δx
Notice how the interference pattern changes as you adjust the wavelength and source separation.
