Wave Interference

Front

What is wave interference?

Back

Wave interference is the phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves overlap and combine to form a new wave pattern.

Front

What are the two main types of wave interference?

Back

The two main types of wave interference are constructive interference and destructive interference.

Front

What occurs during constructive interference?

Back

During constructive interference, two waves combine to create a wave with a larger amplitude.

Front

What occurs during destructive interference?

Back

During destructive interference, two waves combine to create a wave with a smaller amplitude or cancel each other out.

Front

What is an example of constructive interference?

Back

An example of constructive interference is when two sound waves of the same frequency and phase combine to produce a louder sound.

Front

What is an example of destructive interference?

Back

An example of destructive interference is when two sound waves of the same frequency but opposite phase combine to produce silence.

Front

How does wave reflection occur?

Back

Wave reflection occurs when a wave encounters a boundary and bounces back into the original medium.

Front

What is the speed of electromagnetic waves in different media?

Back

Electromagnetic waves travel fastest in a vacuum, slower in gases, and slowest in solids.

Front

What is a compression in wave terminology?

Back

A compression is a region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are closest together.

Front

What is a rarefaction in wave terminology?

Back

A rarefaction is a region in a longitudinal wave where the particles are spread apart.