Which statement best describes destructive interference?

Which statement best describes destructive interference?

• A. Occurs When Waves Are In-Phase
• B. Occurs When Waves Are Out Of Phase
• C. Occurs Only At Equal Amplitudes
• D. Never Occurs With Different Frequencies

Answer: (B)

Destructive interference happens when two waves meet with opposite phase, so their amplitudes subtract. When the phase difference is 180 degrees, a crest aligns with a trough and the waves cancel each other out, potentially yielding zero amplitude if the wavemakers have equal strengths. If the amplitudes aren’t equal, cancellation is partial and some wave remains. This is the opposite of constructive interference, which occurs when waves are in phase and reinforce each other. While interference can occur with waves of different frequencies, a stable destructive pattern relies on a consistent, opposite phase relationship over time.

Destructive interference happens when two waves meet with opposite phase, so their amplitudes subtract. When the phase difference is 180 degrees, a crest aligns with a trough and the waves cancel each other out, potentially yielding zero amplitude if the wavemakers have equal strengths. If the amplitudes aren’t equal, cancellation is partial and some wave remains. This is the opposite of constructive interference, which occurs when waves are in phase and reinforce each other. While interference can occur with waves of different frequencies, a stable destructive pattern relies on a consistent, opposite phase relationship over time.