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Wave Superposition

This activity stirs up a lot of motion.  This activity teaches wave superposition.  Details can be found at http://wnsl.physics.yale.edu/events/olympics/events/waves.html and the answers can be found at http://wnsl.physics.yale.edu/events/olympics/facts.html/.

a page from the Yale Physics Olympics is as follows:

Making Waves

Aim

To move the members of the team such that they simulate the addition of waves of different frequencies.

Material

• *  4 batons
• *  1 length of fishing line

Method

•  Holding the batons, three members of the team move back and forth at a constant speed along parallel paths between points marked on the ground. The peaktopeak amplitudes and periods of the motion for each team member are given by:
• 1. Amplitude = 5 m period = 15 s
• 2. Amplitude = 2 m period = 5 s
• 3. Amplitude = 0.4 m period = 3 s
• Holding the fourth baton, the fourth team member moves along a parallel path in such a way that the tension in the fishing line is maintained.

Conditions

•  Each team member must start from the central position with members 1, 2, and 3 moving initially in the same direction.
• The team will be allowed to practice their coordination for 15 minutes before they are judged.

Time Limit

25 minutes

Ranking

The ranking order will be determined by the accuracy of the motion of the fourth member of the team.

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