Constructive and Destructive Interference

Front

What is constructive interference?

Back

Constructive interference occurs when two waves meet in phase, resulting in a wave with greater amplitude than either of the original waves.

Front

What is destructive interference?

Back

Destructive interference occurs when two waves meet out of phase, resulting in a wave with reduced amplitude or even zero amplitude.

Front

What type of waves are produced when two waves of identical frequency interfere while traveling in opposite directions?

Back

Standing waves are produced.

Front

What happens when the crest of one wave overlaps the crest of another wave?

Back

Constructive interference occurs, resulting in a wave with increased amplitude.

Front

What happens when the trough of one wave overlaps the crest of another wave?

Back

Destructive interference occurs, resulting in a wave with reduced amplitude.

Front

If two waves of the same frequency and amplitude meet in phase, what is the result?

Back

Constructive interference occurs, resulting in a wave with double the amplitude.

Front

What is the amplitude of a wave?

Back

The amplitude of a wave is the maximum displacement of points on a wave from its rest position.

Front

What is the principle of superposition?

Back

The principle of superposition states that when two or more waves overlap, the resulting wave displacement is the sum of the individual wave displacements.

Front

What is a standing wave?

Back

A standing wave is a wave that remains in a constant position, formed by the interference of two waves traveling in opposite directions.

Front

What is the relationship between wave frequency and interference?

Back

Waves of identical frequency can interfere constructively or destructively, depending on their phase relationship.