View Full Version : Removing light
rawadhamwi
Mar 8, 2008, 08:27 AM
If I have a light of frequency "x" and a generate another light of freuency "-x" and the 2 waves are superposed. Does the 2 waves cancel each other or does that light disappear?
Thank you.
Capuchin
Mar 8, 2008, 08:33 AM
You can't have a negative frequency O_o
rawadhamwi
Mar 9, 2008, 12:27 AM
Not negative but opposite
Capuchin
Mar 9, 2008, 12:32 AM
You mean pi radians out of phase, but the same frequency?
The resultant wave is still there, it just has zero net amplitude.
rawadhamwi
Mar 9, 2008, 12:42 AM
If the amplitude is 0, does the light disappears like sounds? If no, please tell me why?
Thanks
Capuchin
Mar 9, 2008, 12:54 AM
The light is not observable, but it is still there. Sound does not disappear when it is destructively interfering either - it's just that one wave is counteracted by another.
The NET amplitude is zero, but the individual waves still have amplitude and still exist.
Benjimeister
Mar 10, 2008, 11:57 PM
Imagine having two jets of water in your face, one that's scalding hot and one that's ice cold. In the end, you get a face full of warm water, but the water is still there. Eh?