Question

what will occur when the trough of wave a overlaps the crest of wave b?
destructive interference will occur, causing the new wave to have more energy than wave a or wave b.
constructive interference will occur, causing the new wave to have more energy than wave a or wave b.
destructive interference will occur, causing the new wave to have less energy than wave a or wave b.
constructive interference will occur, causing the new wave to have less energy than wave a or wave b.

Explanation:

When the trough of one wave overlaps the crest of another, the displacements partially or fully cancel each other out. This is destructive interference. Destructive interference leads to a new wave with less amplitude and thus less energy compared to the original waves.

Answer:

C. Destructive interference will occur, causing the new wave to have less energy than Wave A or Wave B.