What is constructive interference?

Constructive interference occurs when two or more waves overlap in such a way that their crests and troughs align, leading to an increase in amplitude. When this alignment occurs, the resultant wave has a greater amplitude than any of the individual waves alone. This phenomenon can be witnessed in various contexts, including sound waves and light waves, where the combined effect enhances the overall intensity of the wave.

In contrast, other wave interactions have different characteristics. For example, waves that produce a smaller wave would indicate destructive interference, where crests of one wave align with troughs of another, leading to cancellation or reduction in amplitude. Waves moving in opposite directions may create complex patterns of interference but do not inherently define constructive interference.

Therefore, the concept of two waves combining to produce a wave of larger amplitude accurately captures the essence of constructive interference.