Question

When two mechanical waves have a displacement in opposite directions, and they overlap, what will the resulting wave look like and why?

The new wave will have the same displacement as the original waves due to constructive interference.
The new wave will have a smaller displacement than either of the original waves due to destructive interference.
The new wave will have a greater displacement than either of the original waves due to constructive interference.
The new wave will have the same displacement as the original waves due to destructive interference.

Answer 1

I think the correct answer from the choices listed above is the second option. When two mechanical waves have a displacement in opposite directions, and they overlap, the new wave will have a smaller displacement than either of the original waves due to destructive interference.

Answer 2

Option D, The new wave will have a smaller displacement than either of the original waves due to destructive interference.

Step-by-step explanation:

When two mechanical waves or pulses have displacement in two different directions that are opposite to each other and also they overlap each other completely then the waves or pulse with smaller displacement or amplitude is produced. This displacement is less than the displacement of either of the two waves individually. This process is known as destructive displacement

Hence, option D is correct