Academic Integrity: tutoring, explanations, and feedback — we don’t complete graded work or submit on a student’s behalf.

The linear superposition of an infinite number of complex monochromatic waves re

ID: 2304508 • Letter: T

Question

The linear superposition of an infinite number of complex monochromatic waves results in

an infinite number of wave packets.

a large but finite number of wave packets.

a single, localized wave packet whose outer envelope travels with the phase velocity.

a single, localized wave packet whose outer envelope travels with the group velocity.

a spatially infinite plane wave.

a.

an infinite number of wave packets.

b.

a large but finite number of wave packets.

c.

a single, localized wave packet whose outer envelope travels with the phase velocity.

d.

a single, localized wave packet whose outer envelope travels with the group velocity.

e.

a spatially infinite plane wave.

Explanation / Answer

Option d is correct because when we superpose infinite number of waves with single wavelength, we get a wave packet which is localized and travels at the group velocity.