Wave Interactions
Science: KS3, topic 3.3.30
Wave Interactions
Waves can interact with each other. The interaction can make the waves stronger or cancel them out.
Interference
- Waves can come together and interact.
- The interaction is known as interference.
- Waves coming together is called superposition.
Constructive interference
- Waves can come together (or superpose).
- The amplitude can increase.
- The amplitude increase is known as constructive interference.
Destructive interference
- Waves can come together.
- The waves can cancel each other out.
- The cancellation is known as destructive interference.
Test yourself on Wave Interactions
What is the name of the interaction that happens when waves come together?
Two waves come together and overlap. In one case the resulting wave is bigger, and in another it is smaller. What is the name for waves coming together like this, regardless of the result?