What phenomenon occurs when two waves meet and their amplitudes combine?

The phenomenon that occurs when two waves meet and their amplitudes combine is known as interference. This process takes place when two or more waves collide and interact with one another. As they overlap, the resulting wave can have a greater amplitude than either of the original waves if they are in phase, leading to constructive interference, or a lesser amplitude if they are out of phase, resulting in destructive interference.

Interference is a fundamental concept in wave theory and is crucial for understanding various physical phenomena, such as sound and light patterns, as well as in applications like noise-canceling headphones and holography. Understanding the principles of interference helps illustrate how wave behavior can be influenced by the presence of other waves in the same medium.