The principle of superposition

The principle of superposition states that when multiple influences, such as waves or forces, act on a system at the same time, the total effect is the sum of each individual effect. Imagine dropping multiple stones into a pond: each creates ripples, and where they overlap, the waves add together—making a larger ripple or canceling out parts—depending on how they interact. This concept applies to waves, forces, and other phenomena, allowing us to analyze complex situations by breaking them down into simpler, individual components and then combining their effects to understand the overall outcome.