Wave Interference
Reference from the original Physics I textbook.
- Wave Interference
What occurs when multiple waves are acting on the same given point along the same graph.
- Related Glossary Terms
Two Wave Interference Equation, Wave Interference Equation, Waves with Equal Amplitude and Angular Frequency
- Index
Glossary and deeper reading · 1 refreshers
These editorial refreshers supplement the reading. Definitions and examples are added guidance; original source wording and recorded answers remain in their original context.
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Wave interference
Wave interference is the combination of overlapping wave disturbances. In a linear medium, the signed disturbances add at each location and time without permanently destroying the passing waves. For example, two overlapping upward rope pulses temporarily make a larger upward disturbance.