Question

How does destructive interference affect the amplitude of a wave?


The amplitude can increase.

The amplitude stays the same.

The amplitude can decrease.

Answer 1

Destructive interference occurs when two waves of the same frequency and wavelength meet and are out of phase. This means that the crest of one wave coincides with the trough of another wave. As a result, the amplitudes of the waves can partially or completely cancel each other out.

Since destructive interference leads to the cancellation of wave amplitudes, the overall amplitude of the resulting wave can decrease. In the case of perfect destructive interference, the amplitude can even result in zero.

So, the correct answer is: **The amplitude can decrease.**