physics / Waves & Optics / free
Wave Interference
Superpose two waves and see reinforcement become cancellation.
Follow the mechanism1 / 3
Two displacements overlap. At the same position and time, each wave contributes its own displacement.
Superpose two waves and see reinforcement become cancellation.
Two displacements overlap. At the same position and time, each wave contributes its own displacement.
Crests line up with crests, so the resultant amplitude is largest.
Interference is addition, not disappearance. The component waves remain present; their relative timing determines the sum you observe.