Question

do constructive inference occur when the compression of one wave meets up with the compression of a second wave

Answer 1

Answer:

Yes

Explanation:

There are two types of interference possible when two waves meet at the same point:

- Constructive interference: this occurs when the two waves meet in phase, i.e. the crest (or the compression, in case of a longitudinale wave) meets with the crest (compression) of the other wave. In such a case, the amplitude of the resultant wave is twice that of the original wave.

- Destructive interferece: this occurs when the two waves meet in anti-phase, i.e. the crest (or the compression, in case of a longitudinal wave) meets with the trough (rarefaction) of the other wave. In this case, the amplitude of the resultant wave is zero, since the amplitudes of the two waves cancel out.

In this problem, we have a situation where the compression of one wave meets with the compression of the second wave, so we have constructive interference.