Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
Cf. Giambattista/Richardson/Richardson, Physics, 2/e, Problem 25.1
A radio antenna receives a destructive interference signal from two transmitters that broadcast in phase at the same wavelength. Discuss why the radio antenna will still receive a destructive interference signal if both of the two transmitters are each moved one-half of a wavelength farther away from their current distances from the radio antenna. Explain your reasoning by using the properties of waves and interference.
Solution and grading rubric:
- p:
Correct. Recognizes that (a) the two waves from in phase sources interfere destructively, so the path length difference ∆l = (m + 1/2)∙λ, and (b) demonstrates by either drawings or explicit math how extending both paths by half a wavelength will not affect the path length difference, thus the interference will still be destructive as stated. - r:
As (p), but argument indirectly, weakly, or only by definition supports the statement to be proven, or has minor inconsistencies or loopholes. Typically recognizes that ∆l will not be affected by moving both transmitters by half a wavelength, but does not explicitly demonstrate how this is so. - t:
Nearly correct, but argument has conceptual errors, or is incomplete. - v:
Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. - x:
Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit. - y:
Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank. - z:
Blank.
Sections 30882, 30883
Exam code: midterm01b0w7
p: 14 students
r: 14 students
t: 11 students
v: 1 student
x: 1 student
y: 0 students
z: 0 students
A sample "p" response (from student 5297):
Another sample "p" response (from student 3420):
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