Question

Sometimes waves interfere with one another. Consider a scenario in which two waves overlap in the following manner: What type of interference will result from this interaction between the two waves?

Answer 1

Interference between waves can result in either constructive or destructive interference, depending on the alignment of the wave peaks and troughs. In the given scenario, the two pulses in the medium will interfere constructively, resulting in a wave with twice the amplitude.

Step-by-step explanation:

When two waves overlap, interference occurs. Interference can result in either constructive or destructive interference. Constructive interference occurs when the peaks of the two waves align, resulting in a wave with a greater amplitude. Destructive interference occurs when the peak of one wave aligns with the trough of the other wave, resulting in a wave with a smaller amplitude or complete cancellation.

A good example of interference is when you throw two stones in a lake simultaneously, and the crests (and troughs) of the waves interfere constructively or destructively. In the case of the two pulses in the medium shown in Figure 16.19, the pulses will interfere constructively, producing a wave with twice the amplitude when they overlap.