Practice question · Fill in the blanks
Complete the following passage by choosing the correct terms from the word bank.
When two waves interfere constructively, the resulting amplitude is ______ than either individual amplitude. Destructive interference can produce ______ amplitude.
Word bank: greater · zero · less · infinite
Hints
- Waves arriving in step reinforce; waves arriving opposed cancel.
- Complete cancellation requires equal amplitudes.
Show the answer
When two waves interfere constructively, the resulting amplitude is greater than either individual amplitude. Destructive interference can produce zero amplitude.
Why
Constructive: amplitudes add. Destructive: amplitudes cancel (can reach zero).
Practise Wave Optics: Interference and Diffraction
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