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.

Analogy

Imagine two friends pushing each other on a swing at the same time, but one friend pushes forward while the other pushes backward. Their forces cancel out, causing the swing to stay still instead of moving.

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.