The effect of superposition of two coherent waves is interference.
Interference is a phenomenon of wave caused by the superposition of 2 or more coherent waves.
The effect of interference can be studied using a ripple tank. Two dippers are used to produce two sources of coherent waves.
Figure 3 shows the interference pattern observed.
Interference can be constructive or destructive.
Constructive Interference and Anti-node
In the interference of 2 waves, there are places where the 2 waves are always in phase (same phase) and the superposition of the waves produces oscillation with maximum amplitude. This is called the constructive interference.
A place where constructive interference occurs is called the anti-node.
Destructive Interference and Node
In the interference of 2 waves, there are also places where the 2 waves are always anti-phase (phase difference = 180°) and the superposition of the waves produces oscillation with minimum amplitude. This is called the destructive interference.
A place where destructive interference occurs is called the node.
