Principle of Superposition
The principle stating that when two or more linear waves overlap at a point, total resultant displacement equals vector sum of individual displacements.
Governing formula
y_total(x,t) = y1(x,t) + y2(x,t) + ... + yn(x,t)
SI unit
m
In depth
Valid for linear wave systems. Allows complex waveforms to be analyzed by breaking them down into individual Fourier sine/cosine components.
Examples in the real world
Overlapping ripples on a pond surface passing through each other without permanently altering their original shapes.