Constructive interference occurs when two or more waves combine to produce a wave with a larger amplitude. This typically happens when the waves are in phase, meaning their peaks align. Let's evaluate the options based on this concept:
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Waves that are said to be out of phase are overlapping.
- This statement is not correct for constructive interference, as "out of phase" refers to waves that are misaligned (e.g., peaks align with troughs), leading to destructive interference instead.
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A new wave forms with larger amplitude than either of the waves that formed it.
- This statement is correct for constructive interference, as it describes the primary result of the combination of in-phase waves.
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Compressions of different longitudinal waves overlap.
- This statement can be somewhat ambiguous. If it specifically refers to the overlapping of similar compressions from in-phase longitudinal waves, it can lead to constructive interference. However, without clarification on the phase of the waves involved, it could also potentially refer to a situation that doesn't necessarily result in constructive interference. In a general context, it can be seen as correct when in-phase compressions overlap.
Based on this analysis, the correct answers describing instances of constructive interference are:
- A new wave forms with larger amplitude than either of the waves that formed it.
- Compressions of different longitudinal waves overlap (assuming they are in phase).