When two mechanical waves have a displacement in opposite directions, and they overlap, what will the resulting wave look like and why?

The new wave will have the same displacement as the original waves due to constructive interference.
The new wave will have a smaller displacement than either of the original waves due to destructive interference.
The new wave will have a greater displacement than either of the original waves due to constructive interference.
The new wave will have the same displacement as the original waves due to destructive interference.

Question

When two mechanical waves have a displacement in opposite directions, and they overlap, what will the resulting wave look like and why?

 The new wave will have the same displacement as the original waves due to constructive interference.
 The new wave will have a smaller displacement than either of the original waves due to destructive interference.
 The new wave will have a greater displacement than either of the original waves due to constructive interference.
 The new wave will have the same displacement as the original waves due to destructive interference.

rjtrain1 · Answer

c

osprey · Answer

The wording of the q is tricky. Two mech waves travelling in OPPOSITE directions which overlap with DISPLACEMENTS in OPPOSITE directions will INTERFERE (as will most other waves under these conditions). OPPOSITE = DESTRUCTIVE = second answer. http://perendis.webs.com