What type of interference results in a wave of greater amplitude?

Constructive interference occurs when two or more waves meet and combine to produce a wave of greater amplitude than any of the individual waves. This phenomenon happens when the peaks (or troughs) of the waves align with each other, effectively reinforcing their respective amplitudes.

In the context of sound waves or other types of waves, constructive interference maximizes the resultant wave’s energy, which can lead to louder sounds or more pronounced waveforms. Understanding constructive interference is crucial in many applications, including audio engineering and medical imaging where enhancing the signal can improve clarity and resolution.

The other types of interference mentioned do not result in increased amplitude. Destructive interference, for example, occurs when waves align out of phase, causing the peaks of one wave to cancel out the troughs of another, resulting in a wave of lesser amplitude. Transverse and longitudinal interference refer more to the orientation of the waves rather than the amplitude changes produced by their interactions.