Question

which best describes what happens if two waves meet and build on each other?
constructive interference
destructive interference
reflection
absorption

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Constructive interference: Occurs when two waves meet and their amplitudes add up (build on each other), resulting in a wave with a larger amplitude.
• Destructive interference: Happens when two waves meet and their amplitudes cancel out (reduce each other), not build on each other.
• Reflection: Is the bouncing back of a wave when it hits a boundary, not related to waves building on each other.
• Absorption: Involves a wave's energy being taken in by a medium, not waves interacting to build on each other.

So the correct option is the one related to waves building on each other, which is constructive interference.

Answer:

A. constructive interference