Interference in physics can refer to wave interference or communication interference. Wave interference occurs when two or more waves meet, resulting in a change in amplitude. There are two types: constructive and destructive. Coherent waves with similar frequencies can create a coherent interference pattern. Communication interference refers to distortion in radio wave signals. Electromagnetic waves and sound are examples of waves.
Interference, in physics, can refer to two phenomena. The most common is wave interference. This happens when two or more waves meet at the same point, resulting in the waves combining or canceling each other out. When coherent waves with similar frequencies are encountered, the result can be a coherent interference pattern. The other phenomenon is communication interference, which is when a radio wave signal is distorted.
There are many different types of waves. Electromagnetic waves are made up of oscillating electric and magnetic fields and move at the speed of light. Visible light, X-rays, microwaves, and ultraviolet (UV) light are all examples of electromagnetic waves. Sound is also a wave, though it travels differently than light and cannot move in a vacuum.
When two waves collide, the effect is known as wave interference. This means that the waves will pass through each other but, while in the same position, they interact with each other. The result is a change in the amplitude, or size, of the two waves.
There are two types of wave interference known as constructive and destructive. If two waves meet at their maximum point, the two waves add up; this is known as constructive. Create a wave that is twice the size as the crests of the waves overlap. The same happens if the two waves meet at the lowest points.
The destructive interaction occurs when two waves meet at opposite swing points. If, for example, one wave is at its positive peak and another at its negative peak, then the waves cancel each other out. For waves of exactly the same amplitude, the result is not a wave at the collision point.
All waves passing through each other show wave interference, but this is random if the waves come from different sources with different frequencies. Interference can be used for practical purposes if two waves are coherent, meaning they have very similar frequencies. This is because two waves of the same frequency will constantly meet at the same swing point. For example, if the waves meet at a point where they are exactly synchronized, the resulting wave will have twice the amplitude.
In communication, interference has a different meaning. Radio wave communication experts use the term to refer to anything that causes distortion in the wave. Other electromagnetic waves, for example, can often cause distortion.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
