Superposition
Encyclopedia
Superposition can refer to:
- The superposition principleSuperposition principleIn physics and systems theory, the superposition principle , also known as superposition property, states that, for all linear systems, the net response at a given place and time caused by two or more stimuli is the sum of the responses which would have been caused by each stimulus individually...
in physics, mathematics, and engineering, describes the overlapping of waves. Particular applications include :- Quantum superpositionQuantum superpositionQuantum superposition is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics. It holds that a physical system exists in all its particular, theoretically possible states simultaneously; but, when measured, it gives a result corresponding to only one of the possible configurations.Mathematically, it...
, in quantum physics - Superposition theoremSuperposition theoremThe superposition theorem for electrical circuits states that the response in any branch of a bilateral linear circuit having more than one independent source equals the algebraic sum of the responses caused by each independent source acting alone, while all other independent sources are replaced...
, in electronics.
- Quantum superposition
- The superposition calculusSuperposition calculusThe superposition calculus is a calculus for reasoning in equational first-order logic. It has been developed in the early 1990s and combines concepts from first-order resolution with ordering-based equality handling as developed in the context of Knuth-Bendix completion...
, used in logic for equational first-order reasoning - The law of superpositionLaw of superpositionThe law of superposition is a key axiom based on observations of natural history that is a foundational principle of sedimentary stratigraphy and so of other geology dependent natural sciences:...
in geology and archaeology which states that sedimentary layers are deposited in a time sequence, with the oldest on the bottom and the youngest on the top.