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While travelling by a boat, we hear the siren of a nearby ship at certain points but not at some other points. This phenomenon is caused by

Correct answer: B. Destructive interference.

  • A. Formation of beats.
  • B. Destructive interference.
  • C. Production of resonance.
  • D. Constructive interference.

Explanation

The correct answer is destructive interference. This phenomenon occurs when two sound waves meet in such a way that the crest of one wave aligns with the trough of another, effectively canceling each other out. This results in reduced sound or silence at certain points.Option A, 'Formation of beats', is incorrect because beats involve periodic variation in sound intensity due to interference of waves of slightly different frequencies, not silence at specific points.Option C, 'Production of resonance', is incorrect as resonance involves amplification of sound rather than its cancellation.Option D, 'Constructive interference', is incorrect because it refers to sound waves combining to amplify sound, not canceling it.

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About Superposition and Interference

Superposition states that overlapping waves produce a resultant displacement equal to the algebraic sum of their individual displacements. Interference covers constructive and destructive interference, phase difference, path difference, coherent sources, and conditions for maxima and minima. It differs from diffraction, which involves spreading around openings or obstacles.

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