What occurs when two light waves interfere destructively?

What occurs when two light waves interfere destructively?

• A. The resulting intensity is increased
• B. The overall light intensity is unchanged
• C. The resulting intensity is canceled out
• D. The waves no longer exist

Answer: (C)

When two light waves interfere destructively, they combine in such a way that their amplitudes are out of phase with each other. This means that when one wave has a peak (maximum amplitude), the other wave has a trough (minimum amplitude) at that same point in time. As a result, they effectively cancel each other out to some degree. In the case of complete destructive interference, the amplitudes of the two waves are equal and opposite, leading to a total cancellation of the wave effects. Consequently, the resulting intensity of the combined light waves is reduced and can even go to zero if the conditions for complete cancellation are met. Thus, when two light waves interfere destructively, it manifests as reduced light intensity in the area of overlap. This phenomenon is fundamental in the study of wave behavior and is particularly important in applications like noise-canceling technologies and various optical systems that rely on wave interference principles.

When two light waves interfere destructively, they combine in such a way that their amplitudes are out of phase with each other. This means that when one wave has a peak (maximum amplitude), the other wave has a trough (minimum amplitude) at that same point in time. As a result, they effectively cancel each other out to some degree.

In the case of complete destructive interference, the amplitudes of the two waves are equal and opposite, leading to a total cancellation of the wave effects. Consequently, the resulting intensity of the combined light waves is reduced and can even go to zero if the conditions for complete cancellation are met. Thus, when two light waves interfere destructively, it manifests as reduced light intensity in the area of overlap. This phenomenon is fundamental in the study of wave behavior and is particularly important in applications like noise-canceling technologies and various optical systems that rely on wave interference principles.