Which phenomenon is described as the combination of two waves into a single wave with a larger amplitude than the components?

Which phenomenon is described as the combination of two waves into a single wave with a larger amplitude than the components?

• A. Interference
• B. Destructive interference
• C. Constructive interference
• D. Reflection

Answer: (C)

When waves meet, they sum their displacements at every point in space and time. If the peaks of one wave line up with the peaks of the other (in phase), their amplitudes add, producing a single wave with a larger amplitude than either component. This in-phase addition is called constructive interference. It’s the in-phase case of wave interference—the phenomenon where overlapping waves reinforce each other. Destructive interference is the opposite, where peaks align with troughs and the resulting amplitude diminishes. Reflection involves a wave bouncing off a boundary, not the in-between overlap that creates a larger-amplitude result. So the described situation is constructive interference.

When waves meet, they sum their displacements at every point in space and time. If the peaks of one wave line up with the peaks of the other (in phase), their amplitudes add, producing a single wave with a larger amplitude than either component. This in-phase addition is called constructive interference. It’s the in-phase case of wave interference—the phenomenon where overlapping waves reinforce each other. Destructive interference is the opposite, where peaks align with troughs and the resulting amplitude diminishes. Reflection involves a wave bouncing off a boundary, not the in-between overlap that creates a larger-amplitude result. So the described situation is constructive interference.