When path difference between two waves are odd integral multiple of half the wavelength, the resultant effect is called:
Correct answer: A. Destructive interference
- A. Destructive interference
- B. Constructive interference
- C. Beats
- D. Diffraction
Explanation
Destructive interference occurs when two waves with opposite phases (180 degrees out of phase) combine. In this case, the crests of one wave align with the troughs of the other wave, resulting in a cancellation of amplitudes. As a result, the resultant wave has a smaller amplitude or even zero amplitude at certain points.This phenomenon is commonly observed in various wave systems, such as sound waves, light waves, and water waves. It is characterized by the reduction or complete elimination of wave amplitudes at specific locations where destructive interference occurs.
Last updated
About Waves
Progressive waves transfer energy through oscillations, with wavelength, frequency, amplitude and wave speed related by v = fλ; sound speed depends on the medium. Superposition produces interference and stationary waves in strings and organ pipes, while simple harmonic motion describes the oscillation itself and must be distinguished from wave propagation.
Practise Waves
1,281 free Waves MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Exams that ask Physics questions like this
Physics is on 13 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
Related questions
20 waves pass through a point in a medium, in 5 seconds. What is the time required for one wave to pass?
A 100 cm long string fixed at its two ends is plucked from the middle. The wavelength of stationary waves generated is:
A 100 cm long string fixed at its two ends is plucked from the middle. The wavelength of stationary waves generated is:
A 200 cm organ pipe with one end open is in resonance with a sound wave of wavelength 270 cm. The pipe is operating in its:
A car moving at 30 m/s toward an observer sounds its horn at 400 Hz. If the speed of sound is 343 m/s, what frequency does the observer hear?