What does the principle of superposition state?

The principle of superposition is a fundamental concept in wave theory that states when two or more waves meet, the resultant displacement at any point is equal to the algebraic sum of the displacements of the individual waves. This means that if two waves overlap, their effects combine, resulting in a new wave that reflects the contributions from each of the original waves.

In practical terms, when the peaks of one wave coincide with the peaks of another, constructive interference occurs, leading to a larger amplitude. Conversely, if the peak of one wave meets the trough of another, destructive interference can lead to a reduced amplitude or even cancellation. This principle allows us to analyze complex wave phenomena in contexts such as sound, light, and water waves, and is crucial for understanding patterns such as beats, standing waves, and interference patterns.

The other options do not accurately reflect the principle of superposition, which is about the summation of wave effects rather than independence or uniform speed of waves in different media. Understanding this principle is crucial for analyzing various wave interactions in physics.