constructive and destructive interference

Constructive and destructive interference describe how waves combine when they meet. Constructive interference occurs when the peaks of two waves align, reinforcing each other and creating a larger amplitude—think of two push waves in the water adding up. Destructive interference happens when the peak of one wave aligns with the trough of another, canceling each other out and resulting in a smaller or zero amplitude. These phenomena happen with all types of waves, including sound, light, and water waves, and are fundamental to understanding how waves interact and produce patterns like bright and dark spots in light or loud and soft sounds.