Question

Two waves meet and overlap. The first wave has an amplitude of 4.6 centimeters and the second wave has an amplitude of 2 centimeters. If the waves meet crest to trough, what is the magnitude of the resulting amplitude of the combined wave?

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

The amplitude of resultant wave as the result of  overlap of two waves depends upon the phase difference between the two.  If the waves meet crest to trough , the phase difference is 180 degree or they are in opposite phase . Hence they will destroy each other . The amplitude of resultant wave can be obtained by subtracting the amplitudes of two waves. They will interfere destructively.

Amplitude of resultant gives waves = 4.6 - 2 = 2.6 cm.