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-   -   Removing light (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=192343)

  • Mar 8, 2008, 08:27 AM
    rawadhamwi
    Removing light
    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.
  • Mar 8, 2008, 08:33 AM
    Capuchin
    You can't have a negative frequency O_o
  • Mar 9, 2008, 12:27 AM
    rawadhamwi
    Not negative but opposite
  • Mar 9, 2008, 12:32 AM
    Capuchin
    You mean pi radians out of phase, but the same frequency?

    The resultant wave is still there, it just has zero net amplitude.
  • Mar 9, 2008, 12:42 AM
    rawadhamwi
    If the amplitude is 0, does the light disappears like sounds? If no, please tell me why?
    Thanks
  • Mar 9, 2008, 12:54 AM
    Capuchin
    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.
  • Mar 10, 2008, 11:57 PM
    Benjimeister
    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?

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