Wave interference is the phenomenon that occurs when two waves meet while traveling along the same medium. Interference may be constructive or destructive.
Destructive Interference
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Calculating Destructive Interference
- When a crest and trough of two different waves interact you subtract the amplitudes.
Total Destructive Interference
When the amplitude of the crest and trough are equal in magnitude (size) when the waves interact they will cancel each other out completely.
Partial Destructive Interference
When the crest or trough is greater in magnitude (size) when the waves interact they will only partially cancel each other out and a smaller wave will remain until the wave pass one another.
Transverse vs. Compressional Wave
Destructive Interference
Experiment with Wave Interference
Interactive Guide:
- Experiment and create the largest constructive wave possible.
- Experiment and create a destructive wave that completely cancels out.
- Experiment and create a destructive wave that only partially cancels out.
Video Guide:
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Topic Tips
- When the crest and trough of two different waves interact they can partially or completely cancel each other out.
- When a crest and trough of two different waves interact you subtract the amplitudes.