Two waves represented by y = a sin(ωt - kx) and y = a cos(ωt - kx) are superposed. The resultant wave will have an amplitude
(a) a
(b)√2a
(c) 2a
(d) 0.
The correct answer is (b)√2a
EXPLANATION:
When two waves are superimposed, the displacements of the particle due to each wave is added. Hence the resultant wave is given as
y' = a sin(⍵t-kx) + a cos(⍵t-kx)
→y' = a {sin(⍵t-kx) + sin(π/2+⍵t-kx)}
→y'=a*2 sin{(⍵t-kx+π/2+⍵t-kx)/2}*cos{(⍵t-kx-π/2-⍵t+kx)/2}
→y' = 2a sin(⍵t-kx+π/4)*cosπ/4
→y' = (2a/√2) sin(⍵t-kx+π/4)
→y' =√2a sin(⍵t-kx+π/4)
Clearly the amplitude of the resultant wave is √2a.