Question

jerimiah is studying wave a and wave b. wave a is traveling at 3 hertz, and wave b is traveling at 1.2 hertz. what can be predicted about the waves if they were to crash into each other?
○ refraction would occur.
○ interference would occur.
○ the resulting wave would travel at 4.2 hertz
○ the crest of wave a would overlap the trough of wave b.

Explanation:

1. Analyze each option:

• Refraction involves wave bending at a medium boundary, not collision, so first option is wrong.
• When two waves meet, interference (constructive/destructive) occurs. This is a key wave behavior.
• Wave frequency doesn't add linearly on collision; the resulting wave's frequency isn't simply the sum, so third option is wrong.
• Without knowing phase, we can't say crest - trough overlap, so fourth option is wrong.

Answer:

B. Interference would occur.