physics / Waves & Optics / free

Wave Interference

Superpose two waves and see reinforcement become cancellation.

Follow the mechanism1 / 3

Two displacements overlap. At the same position and time, each wave contributes its own displacement.

superpositionreinforcement · 2.00 amplitude

Focus the idea

phase gap0°

each amplitude1.0

resultant2.00

statereinforcement

Amplitude 1.0Phase difference 0°

Try a case

Crests line up with crests, so the resultant amplitude is largest.

Interference is addition, not disappearance. The component waves remain present; their relative timing determines the sum you observe.

04 / PRACTICE

Make the idea yours.

0 / 3 checked

Use the model, then answer without looking back. Each check isolates one decision a learner should be able to make after this lesson.

CHECK 1 / 3