Task:
Wave propagation, diffraction, interference
Interactive Wave Lab
Welcome to the interactive wave lab! Here you can explore three essential wave phenomena: propagation, diffraction, and interference.
Select an experiment:
Wave Propagation
Waves propagate in all directions from a source at a constant speed.
🌐 Wave Propagation
Waves transfer energy without transferring matter. They propagate from the source in concentric circles.
- Propagation speed depends on the medium
- Amplitude determines wave intensity
- Frequency remains constant during propagation
🌊 Wave Diffraction
Diffraction is the ability of waves to bend around obstacles and pass through narrow slits.
- More pronounced when obstacle size is comparable to wavelength
- Behind the slit, the wave spreads out like a fan
- Explains sound propagation around corners
⚡ Wave Interference
Interference is the superposition of waves from two coherent sources (Young's double-slit experiment).
- Bright fringes - constructive interference
- Dark fringes - destructive interference
- Distance between fringes depends on wavelength
📊 Wave Profile
Side view shows the wave shape - a sinusoid that moves through space.
- Amplitude - maximum displacement from equilibrium
- Wavelength depends on frequency and speed
- Higher frequency, shorter wavelength
🎯 Practical Applications
🎵 Acoustics
Concert hall design considers sound wave interference
📡 Radio Communication
Diffraction allows radio waves to bend around mountains and buildings
🔬 Optics
Light interference is used in lasers and holography
🌊 Oceanography
Studying ocean waves helps predict weather
