Wave Interference
Basic Definition
-When one waveform on a medium meets another waveform traveling across the same medium, we say that the two waves interfere as they pass through each other.
General Outline
- Two waves traveling across same medium will meet and interfere.
- Will form new shape as they pass each other
- Can have diminished amplitude or greater amplitude
- When two crests meet: Constructive Interference
- When two troughs meet: Destructive interference
How it works
Constructive and Destructive
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-When two waves interfere, they create a new shape for the medium during the time that they pass through each other. This new shape can obtain a greater amplitude than either wave does separately. This is called constructive interference. For different circumstances, the new wave shape can have a diminished amplitude smaller than either of the amplitudes of the two waves. That is called destructive
interference. |