Traveling Waves and Superposition

Wait for Java to finish loading before clicking on anything. Then open your browser to fullscreen view for best viewing. The applet shows two waves and their superposition. While keeping the parameters for one wave the same, change the parameters for the other wave to create a standing wave. Note that you can't change the speed directly.  Change the wavelength and frequency in order that both waves have the same speed.
f(x,t) g(x,t)
Amplitude
Wavelength
Frequency
Phase Shift

Click Here to Reverse Direction

Speed
Amplitude
Wavelength
Frequency
Phase Shift

Click Here to Reverse Direction

Speed
 

You may alter the equations of the waves 
directly in the boxes below.
f(x,t)=
g(x,t)=

For a discussion of standing waves, go to this exercise.

Credits