Final answer:
The principle of superposition states that when two disturbances occupy the same space at the same time, the resulting disturbance is the sum of the two disturbances. When waves combine, their amplitudes can add up and create a larger wave, or they can cancel each other out and produce destructive interference.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principle of superposition states that when two disturbances occupy the same space at the same time, the resulting disturbance is the sum of the two disturbances.
For example, when two waves combine, the resulting wave is found by adding the amplitudes of the individual waves at each point. When a crest adds to a crest or a trough adds to a trough, the amplitudes combine and produce a larger wave. However, when a crest meets a trough, the amplitudes cancel each other out and create destructive interference.