Independence of waves
Owen Duffy wrote:
. . .
I think the discussion is mainly exploring a detailed definition of the
concept of superposition of radio waves. It seems to mean different
things to different people, but it is used as if it has a shared meaning.
Superposition means the following: If f(x) is the result of excitation x
and f(y) is the result of excitation y, then the result of excitation (x
+ y) is f(x + y). This is a very clear and unambiguous definition which
you can find in a multiplicity of texts. It's an extremely valuable tool
in the analysis of linear systems.
To put it plainly in terms of waves and radiators, it means that if one
radiator by itself creates field x and another creates field y, then the
field resulting when both radiators are on is x + y.
What other meaning do you think it has?
Roy Lewallen, W7EL
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