Interference of Waves

5.6

Interference of Waves

	Interference of waves
	The superposition effect produced by two coherent waves that meet when the waves propagate in the same medium.

	Constructive interference
	Superposition of two waves of equal phase to produce waves with maximum amplitude.

Peak meets peak yield higher peak (amplitude 2a).

Source: physicsnote.com

Trough meets trough results in higher wave trough (amplitude -2a).

Source: physicsnote.com

	Destructive interference
	Superposition of two different phases of waves (antiphase) produces a wave with zero amplitude.

Peak and trough produce a wave with zero amplitude.

Source: physicsnote.com

5.6

Interference of Waves

	Interference of waves
	The superposition effect produced by two coherent waves that meet when the waves propagate in the same medium.

	Constructive interference
	Superposition of two waves of equal phase to produce waves with maximum amplitude.

Peak meets peak yield higher peak (amplitude 2a).

Source: physicsnote.com

Trough meets trough results in higher wave trough (amplitude -2a).

Source: physicsnote.com

	Destructive interference
	Superposition of two different phases of waves (antiphase) produces a wave with zero amplitude.

Peak and trough produce a wave with zero amplitude.

Source: physicsnote.com