Rankers Physics

Principle of Superposition, Interference and Beats: Practice Problem & Solution

Wave has simple harmonic motion whose period is 4 seconds while another wave which also possesses simple harmonic motion has its period 3 sec. If both are combined, then the resultant wave will have the period equal to: (1993)
$4 \text{ sec}$
$5 \text{ sec}$
$12 \text{ sec}$
$3 \text{ sec}$

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Principle of Superposition, Interference and Beats. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

The period of the resultant wave formed by the superposition of two periodic waves is the least common multiple (LCM) of their individual periods. $$\text{LCM}(4, 3) = 12 \text{ seconds}$$.

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