Wave Properties of Electrons Module q. 14

$\lambda=\frac{h}{p}$

305086803
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Wave Properties of Electrons Module q. 14

Hi everybody!

I have a question regarding question 14. on the wave properties of electrons modules which is: When the trough of one wave interacts with the trough of another wave is their interaction constructive or destructive?

The module says the answer is constructive, but I thought that when a trough interacts without another trough of a wave, they cancel out and leads to smaller amplitude/light, and by definition from the textbook, is a destructive interference. Can someone explain why its constructive?

Thanks

KeyaV1C
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Re: Wave Properties of Electrons Module q. 14

When two troughs interact/ two crests interact, it leads to a larger total amplitude, implying constructive interference. It’s destructive when the crest of one wave interacts with the trough of another.

305086803
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Re: Wave Properties of Electrons Module q. 14

Oh that makes sense, thanks so much!

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Re: Wave Properties of Electrons Module q. 14

The idea here is that when a trough and a trough interact as well as when a crest and a crest interact they constructively build on each other. It's the same as thinking about when you add to positive numbers together the answer gets more positive and similar when two negative numbers are added together the answer becomes more negative, whichever direction the value is moving the point is its absolute value is getting bigger. Similarly, even if it is 2 troughs interacting they are building on each other which is constructive.

305086803
Posts: 99
Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2019 12:16 am

Re: Wave Properties of Electrons Module q. 14

Ohhh, okay thanks so much for your help!