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.