Videos on constructive and destructive interference in wave dynamics and how waves breakup in shallow areas

Wave physics is one of the most difficult sections of an undergraduate introductory physics course due primarily to the abstract nature of Huygens’ construction, which is critically important for understanding the key concept of constructive and destructive interference. Briefly, the result of constructive interference is a higher wave front while that of destructive interference is a trough. The concept can be visualized in the above video taken at Labrador Park, Singapore. In addition to the concept of constructive and destructive interference, the video also features another facet of water waves: its interaction with land. Specifically, it can be clearly observed that as a complete wave front approaches shallow areas, specific segments interacting with the area would breakup into foamy water. This is the underlying mechanism leading to the formation of large waves common in tsunami, where a water column is forced upwards by shallow land. The four videos in this series should be useful for educators in junior colleges and those teaching introductory undergraduate physics courses as a science in action video, which hopefully makes learning the difficult concept of wave interference easier and more fun. In addition, wave interactions as a tide is coming onto shore is also a valuable source of videographic information for understanding the hydrodynamics at Labrador Park shore, especially in inferring how fast or slow beach is forming or eroding, which can draw upon on optical evidence of wave crest breaking up into foamy water near shallow areas.