Interference Question

[4563728]

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Does interference only occur with two waves of the same frequency? Do two waves of different frequency interfere?

 

[Cmdr_Shepard]

Absolutely. It's just harder to visualize the resultant waveform.

For example, two waves exactly 180 degrees out of phase with the same frequency and amplitude will give a resultant wave of zero. Whereas with different frequencies, you could still have a non-zero product even with a 180 degree phase difference.

 

[brood910]

Waves with different frequencies can interfere but their interference will not be pronounced.
To be pronounced, waves should be monochromatic and coherent.

 

[4563728]

Alright, thank you! BR was confusing me on that point.

 

[SN2ed]

Thread closed. These types of questions belong in the MCAT Study Q&A forum only.