Interference of Waves from Two Point Sources

Circular waves, linear waves, and waves from two point sources in a ripple tank are shown and described.

Discussion

The apparatus used to demonstrate interference of waves from two point sources is shown here. The mechanical wave driver moves the two point sources up and down on the surface of the water in the ripple tank, creating simultaneously two sets of circular waves with identical frequencies and wavelengths. As these waves propagate from the sources, they interact to form interference patterns.