Two Source Interference Pattern 1, Java

Java	Here is a Java applet which can be used as an aid to understanding the patterns which are produced when two circular periodic waves interfere. This is often termed a two source interference pattern.

Basic operation:

The 'Small', 'Medium', and 'Large' radio buttons control the size of the waves.
The 'Switch phase' button controls the phase of the sources. Directly to its left is a label that describes the current phase of the sources. The applet starts out with the sources in phase. This means that both sources emit a crest at the same time, and, of course, a trough at the same time. (They have the same frequency.) When the sources are out of phase, as one creates a crest the other creates a trough.
You can click and drag either source to a new location in the medium. When you click your mouse down, you will 'grab' whatever source is closest to the mouse.
The 'Initialize' button sets all parameters back to their original values.

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