What occurs when two in-phase waves interfere?

When two in-phase waves interfere, they undergo constructive interference. This occurs because the peaks (crests) of one wave align perfectly with the peaks of the other wave, and similarly, the troughs align as well. As a result, the amplitude of the combined wave is greater than the individual amplitudes of the waves. Specifically, if both waves have the same amplitude, the resultant wave’s amplitude will be the sum of the amplitudes of the two waves, leading to a wave that is stronger and has increased energy.

Constructive interference is crucial in various applications, such as sound amplification and signal processing, where the combination of waves enhances the overall effect. Understanding this principle is fundamental in the study of wave phenomena, highlighting how wave interactions can lead to significant changes in the characteristics of the resultant wave.