Wave interference

Two moving waves can add up to no wave.

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What is the resultant amplitude relative to either wave?

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How it works & assumptions

Add sin(2πft−kx) and sin(2πft−kx+φ). The resultant amplitude is |2 cos(φ/2)| for unit-amplitude waves.

Two equal-frequency, equal-amplitude ideal waves in a linear medium; no propagation losses.

References: University Physics Volume 1, section 16.5: Interference of Waves

This is an ideal mathematical model, not a measurement or a forecast.

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