Superposition principle

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This article is about the superposition principle in linear systems. For other uses, see Superposition

In linear algebra, the principle of superposition states that, for a linear system, a linear combination of solutions to the system is also a solution to the same linear system. The superposition principle applies to linear systems of algebraic equations, linear differential equations, or systems of linear differential equations.

The principle of superposition is widely used in physics and engineering because many physical systems may be modelled as linear systems. The superposition principle is also applied when small deviations from a known solution to a nonlinear system are analyzed by linearization. For linear physical quantities, this implies that the net result at a given place and time caused by two or more independent phenomena is the sum of the results which would have been caused by each phenomenon individually. Consequently, it is possible to analyze the behavior of linear physical systems by considering the behavior of each component of the system separately, and then summing the separate results to find the total result.

Two important classes of quantities that occur in linear systems are Vector Fields and Time-Varying Signals.

Contents

1 Vector fields
2 Time-varying signals
3 Applications
4 See also

Vector fields

Superposition of almost plane waves from a distant source and waves from the duck and the ducklings. Linearity holds only approximately.

For vector fields, the principle of superposition states that the net displacement at a given place and time caused by two or more waves traversing the same space is the vector sum of the displacements which would have been produced by the individual waves separately. If the resultant sum is greater than either (displacement of an) individual wave, the event occurring when the waves meet is called constructive interference, and amplitude at that point is increased. When the resultant sum is less than either displacement, then destructive interference occurs, and overall amplitude decreases. If the superposition of waves brings the amplitude to zero, complete destructive interference has occurred._

Time-varying signals

For time-varying signals, the principle of superposition states that the total response at a given place and time caused by two or more signals propagating in the same space is the sum of the separate responses which would have been produced by the individual signals.

Applications

The superposition principle is often applied to physical systems described by differential equations such as the electromagnetic wave equation, the heat equation.

In electrical engineering, the superposition principle is used to solve problems in linear circuit analysis.

In quantum mechanics, the superposition principle is applied to solutions of Schrödinger's wave equation.

Superposition principle

Vector fields

Time-varying signals

Applications

See also