gen-define-wave-interference-and-give-one-short-worked-example-c8f8

Define wave interference and give one short worked example.

# Wave Interference **Wave interference** is the phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves overlap in the same region of space. The resulting wave displacement at any point is the algebraic sum of the individual wave displacements at that point (principle of superposition). ## Types: - **Constructive interference**: Waves combine to produce larger amplitude (waves in phase) - **Destructive interference**: Waves combine to produce smaller amplitude (waves out of phase) ## Worked Example **Problem:** Two sound waves meet at a point. Wave 1 has amplitude 3 cm and Wave 2 has amplitude 4 cm. Find the resulting amplitude for: - (a) Constructive interference - (b) Destructive interference **Solution:** (a) **Constructive interference** (waves in phase): - Resultant amplitude = A₁ + A₂ - Resultant amplitude = 3 + 4 = **7 cm** (b) **Destructive interference** (waves completely out of phase): - Resultant amplitude = |A₁ - A₂| - Resultant amplitude = |3 - 4| = **1 cm** The actual amplitude at intermediate phase differences would fall between 1 cm and 7 cm.