Addition or subtraction of wave energy as waves interact, also called resonance.

Study for the IB Marine Science Standard Level Exam. Prepare with interactive quizzes and in-depth explanations. Use our resources to excel in your marine science knowledge!

Multiple Choice

Addition or subtraction of wave energy as waves interact, also called resonance.

Explanation:
Interference occurs when waves overlap and their displacements add together (superposition). When crests align with crests, the amplitude increases (constructive interference); when a crest meets a trough, they cancel part of each other (destructive interference). Energy is redistributed into patterns of higher and lower intensity as waves interact, not created or destroyed. This isn’t resonance, which involves driving a system at its natural frequency; interference is a different idea. The other terms describe other wave behaviors: reflection is bouncing back, dispersion is separation of components by velocity differences, and diffraction is bending and spreading around obstacles.

Interference occurs when waves overlap and their displacements add together (superposition). When crests align with crests, the amplitude increases (constructive interference); when a crest meets a trough, they cancel part of each other (destructive interference). Energy is redistributed into patterns of higher and lower intensity as waves interact, not created or destroyed. This isn’t resonance, which involves driving a system at its natural frequency; interference is a different idea. The other terms describe other wave behaviors: reflection is bouncing back, dispersion is separation of components by velocity differences, and diffraction is bending and spreading around obstacles.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy