destructive interference

Waves cancel out

Destructive interference occurs when two waves meet and cancel each other out, either partially or completely.

The peaks of one wave align with the troughs of another, reducing the combined amplitude.

The phenomenon applies to sound, light, water waves, and other wave types.

Noise-canceling headphones work by generating sound waves that destructively interfere with ambient noise.

Related

phase shift · trough · polarization · crest · standing wave · dead spot · sound wave · light waves · laser beam · wavelength · coherent light · quantum superposition · antiphase · acoustic panels · refraction · pitch · holography · reflection

Opposites
wave interaction outcome

destructive interferencereinforcement

Adding support or encouragement

amplification · resonance · signal boosting

signal effect

destructive interferencegain

Positive return received

buildup · intensification · augmentation

Family

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