Destructive Interference

Definition

When two waves meet and their amplitudes combine to create a wave with a smaller amplitude. This results in the cancellation of certain parts of the waves.

Related terms

Constructive Interference: When two waves meet and their amplitudes combine to create a wave with a larger amplitude.

Superposition Principle:

The principle that states when multiple waves overlap, they add up algebraically to form a resultant wave.

Standing Wave: A wave pattern that forms when an incident wave and its reflected wave interfere constructively or destructively.