Final answer:
Constructive interference occurs when waves arrive at the same point exactly in phase. The crests and troughs of the waves align, resulting in a greater amplitude. In the case of light passing through narrow slits, constructive interference occurs where the peaks or troughs of two waves coincide, while destructive interference occurs where one wave's peak aligns with the other wave's trough.
Step-by-step explanation:
Constructive interference occurs when two waves arrive at the same point exactly in phase. This means that the crests of both waves align and the troughs of both waves align as well. As a result, the amplitudes of the two waves add up, creating a wave with a greater amplitude.
For example, when light passes through narrow slits closely spaced about a wavelength apart, two closely spaced waves interfere with each other. Where the peaks of both waves coincide, there is constructive interference, producing bright regions. Where one wave's peak aligns with the other wave's trough, and vice versa, there is also constructive interference. On the other hand, destructive interference occurs where the peaks of one wave align with the troughs of the other wave, resulting in dark regions.