The diagram above illustrates two waves of equal amplitudes A and frequencies approaching each other. When the two waves meet at a point I midway between them, the vertical displacement of the resulting wave will be
-
A.
0 -
B.
(frac{A}{2}) -
C.
(frac{A}{4}) -
D.
(2A)
Correct Answer: Option D
Explanation
This is a type of constructive interference. When two waves of equal amplitude are interfering constructively, the resulting amplitude is twice as large as the amplitude of an individual wave.
= A + A = 2A