The principle of superposition of waves states that at a point
A{'text': 'Only the wave with the higher amplitude will reach the point in question', 'label': 'A'}
B{'text': 'Only the phase of each wave matters, not the amplitude, at the given point', 'label': 'B'}
C{'text': 'The two waves cannot exist simultaneously at the same point in the medium', 'label': 'C'}
D{'text': 'The resultant displacement is the vector sum of individual displacements', 'label': 'D'}
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. {'text': 'The resultant displacement is the vector sum of individual displacements', 'label': 'D'}
1. Superposition applies when two or more waves overlap in a linear medium.
2. Displacement at each point is the vector sum of individual displacements.
3. This underlies interference, standing waves and diffraction.
4. It applies to sound, light and other classical waves in linear media.
_Source: NCERT Class 12 Physics, Ch 10 "Wave Optics", §10.4_
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