What happens when two waves interfere?

When two waves interfere, the phenomenon of interference allows them to combine in different ways, leading to either constructive or destructive interference. Constructive interference occurs when the crests (or troughs) of the waves line up together, resulting in a wave with a greater amplitude. This means that the energy carried by the waves is effectively increased. On the other hand, destructive interference happens when the crest of one wave meets the trough of another, leading to a reduction in overall amplitude, which may even result in cancellation if they are of equal amplitude.

This dual behavior defines the nature of wave interference, illustrating that waves do not simply cancel each other out or reinforce one another in a straightforward manner. Rather, their interaction is contingent on their relative phases, frequencies, and amplitudes, allowing for a diverse range of outcomes during interference events. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the complex interaction patterns of waves during interference, encapsulating the essence of wave behavior in this context.