Question

What is going to happen when the two waves hit? Mark all that apply


Cancel each other out.


Destructive interference


Constructive interference


Form a bigger wave

Answer 1

I don’t have the diagram or values, so I can’t pick which options are correct for your specific situation. Here’s how to decide:

Basic rule — superposition: the resultant displacement = sum of the two wave displacements at each point.

- If the two wave displacements at the meeting point are equal in magnitude and opposite in sign (180° out of phase) → destructive interference. They cancel each other out (complete cancellation) at that instant. (So “Cancel each other out” and “Destructive interference” apply in this case.)
- If the two displacements are in the same sign (in phase) → constructive interference. They add to form a bigger wave (so “Constructive interference” and “Form a bigger wave” apply).
- If they are neither exactly equal/opposite nor exactly in phase → partial constructive or partial destructive interference (result is neither complete cancellation nor full doubling).
- Note: in typical linear media this cancellation or reinforcement is temporary; after passing through each other the original waves continue unchanged.

If you upload or describe the two waves (amplitudes, signs/phases or a sketch), I’ll mark which options apply.