Question

select the correct answer

two sound waves traveling in the same medium interfere with each other. the compression of one wave falls on the compression of the other wave. what can you say about the resultant sound?

a. the resultant sound will be louder than the individual sound waves.

b. the resultant sound will be lower than the individual sound waves.

c. the resultant sound will have the same loudness as the individual sound waves.

d. the resultant sound will not be heard at all.

Explanation:

When two sound waves interfere and the compression of one wave falls on the compression of the other (this is constructive interference), the amplitudes of the waves add up. Loudness of a sound is related to the amplitude of the sound wave. With a larger amplitude from the constructive interference, the resultant sound will be louder than the individual sound waves. Option B is incorrect as constructive interference increases loudness, not decreases. Option C is incorrect because the combined amplitude changes the loudness. Option D is incorrect as constructive interference results in a perceivable (and louder) sound, not silence (which would be the case for destructive interference where compression falls on rarefaction).

Answer:

A. The resultant sound will be louder than the individual sound waves