Question #d9e40

1 Answer
Matt
Apr 12, 2016

The principle of superposition states that when 2 waves meet, the total displacement at a point is equal to the sum of the individual displacements at that point.

Explanation:

Based on the above definition, two waves constructively interfere when they are in phase.

In another words, if a crest of one wave meets a crest of another, the combined amplitude will be the sum of the amplitudes (constructive interference). Yet if a crest meets a trough, you get destructive interference

The following includes some diagrams which make this a lot easier to understand:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interference_(wave_propagation)

Related questions
Impact of this question
613 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License