Constructive & Destructive Interference

Front

What is Constructive Interference?

Back

Constructive interference occurs when two waves meet in phase, meaning their crests and troughs align, resulting in a wave of greater amplitude.

Front

What is Destructive Interference?

Back

Destructive interference occurs when two waves meet out of phase, meaning a crest meets a trough, resulting in a wave of lesser amplitude or cancellation.

Front

What do noise cancelling headphones use to reduce sound?

Back

Noise cancelling headphones use destructive interference to cancel out unwanted ambient sounds.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-5

Front

What happens when a crest and a trough interfere?

Back

They counteract each other, leading to a reduction in wave amplitude or complete cancellation.

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is a disturbance that transfers energy through space or matter, often created by a force or vibration.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Front

What is the principle behind sound waves?

Back

Sound waves are longitudinal waves created by vibrations that compress and rarefy the medium through which they travel.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Front

What is the result of two waves in phase?

Back

The result is constructive interference, leading to an increase in amplitude.

Front

What is the result of two waves out of phase?

Back

The result is destructive interference, leading to a decrease in amplitude or cancellation.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-5

Front

What is amplitude in wave physics?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum extent of a wave's displacement from its rest position, indicating the energy of the wave.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-5

Front

What is a crest in a wave?

Back

A crest is the highest point of a wave, representing the maximum displacement in the upward direction.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1