Question

Two identical waves superimpose in pure constructive interference. What is the height of the resultant wave if the amplitude of each of the waves is 1 m?

a) 0.5 m

b) 1 m

c) 2 m

d) 4 m

Answer 1

The resultant wave height from two identical waves in pure constructive interference and each with an amplitude of 1 meter is 2 meters, as the amplitudes add together.

Step-by-step explanation:

When two identical waves superimpose in pure constructive interference, the amplitudes of the waves add together. If each wave has an amplitude of 1 meter, the height of the resultant wave will be the sum of the amplitudes of the two waves. Since they are identical and in phase, the crests and troughs align perfectly, leading to a doubling of the amplitude.

In constructive interference, the waves must be in phase for this to occur, meaning the crests of one wave align with the crests of the other wave, and the troughs do the same. As a result, the height of the resultant wave would be 2 meters in this case.