Question

When water waves meet, they can combine to form new waves. In constructive waves, a ________ amplitude wave is formed. In destructive waves, a wave with a __________ amplitude is formed. A) greater, smaller B) smaller, greater C) smaller, smaller D) greater, greater

Answer 1

Answer:

In constructive waves, a greater amplitude wave is formed. In destructive waves, a wave with a smaller amplitude is formed. (option A)

Explanation:

Interference is called the superposition or sum of two or more waves. Depending mainly on the wavelengths, amplitudes and the relative distance between them, there are two types of interference: constructive or destructive.

Constructive interference occurs when there are two waves of identical or similar frequency (both have motions equal to an even number of similar wavelengths) and overlap the peak of one with the peak of the other. These effects add together and make a wave of greater amplitude. All of this is possible because the waves were in the same phase in the beginning (in the same position).

Destructive interference occurs in the opposite case to constructive. When the crest of one wave overlaps the valley of the other, they cancel out since they are in different phases when they overlap (they were in different positions). That is, as in the case of constructive waves they were added, in the case of destructive waves they cancel out (subtract).

So, In constructive waves, a greater amplitude wave is formed. In destructive waves, a wave with a smaller amplitude is formed.