Constructive vs. Destructive Interference
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Constructive vs. Destructive Interference
In my notes, it says that diffraction patterns may result from constructive or destructive interference. What is the difference between these two and do they result in different diffraction patterns?
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Re: Constructive vs. Destructive Interference
Constructive is when the peaks of two of the waves do not clash, combine, and then result in a larger wavelength.
Destructive is when the peaks of two wavelengths do not line up, combine, and result in a smaller wavelength. If the trophs are the same size, they will cancel out completely. I recommend checking out the module for a more in-depth explanation over these. Also, looking at pictures of this will help you understand the concept more.
Destructive is when the peaks of two wavelengths do not line up, combine, and result in a smaller wavelength. If the trophs are the same size, they will cancel out completely. I recommend checking out the module for a more in-depth explanation over these. Also, looking at pictures of this will help you understand the concept more.
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Re: Constructive vs. Destructive Interference
Constructive interference is where two waves are added together, while in destructive interference, the two waves cancel each other out.
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Re: Constructive vs. Destructive Interference
With constructive interference, is the resulting amplitude just the lengths of the individual waves added together? Or can it not be measured that way?
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Re: Constructive vs. Destructive Interference
In constructive interference, the peaks and troughs (highest and lowest parts) of a wave align and the amplitude of the combined wave increases (it gets taller).
In destructive interference, the peaks of one wave align with the troughs of the other and vice versa and the resulting wave's amplitude is smaller.
I don't know what happens if the peaks and troughs don't match up perfectly or if the wavelengths are different, but I think we don't have to know this stuff. Just these 2 diffraction patterns.
In destructive interference, the peaks of one wave align with the troughs of the other and vice versa and the resulting wave's amplitude is smaller.
I don't know what happens if the peaks and troughs don't match up perfectly or if the wavelengths are different, but I think we don't have to know this stuff. Just these 2 diffraction patterns.
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Re: Constructive vs. Destructive Interference
Maya Serota 3G wrote:With constructive interference, is the resulting amplitude just the lengths of the individual waves added together? Or can it not be measured that way?
I think it does work like that. The book doesn't say anything, so I don't think we need to know it for chem, but I remember learning that in AP Physics.
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