High School Adding two waves with different amplitudes

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When two waves are superimposed with one wave's peak meeting the other's trough, destructive interference occurs, but the result depends on their amplitudes. If the waves have different amplitudes, the final wave will have a smaller amplitude than the larger wave, maintaining the phase of that larger wave. This can be visually represented on graph paper, illustrating the subtraction of amplitudes. The discussion assumes the waves are sine waves, confirming the principles of wave interference. Overall, total destructive interference is not achieved when amplitudes differ, leading to a resultant wave with reduced amplitude.
Zahidur
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Would there be destructive interference if I had two waves that are superimposed and the peak of one wave met the trough of the other but they both have different amplitudes? If there isn't total destructive interference, then what does the final wave look like?
 
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Zahidur said:
Would there be destructive interference if I had two waves that are superimposed and the peak of one wave met the trough of the other but they both have different amplitudes? If there isn't total destructive interference, then what does the final wave look like?
If they are in phase opposition, then the amplitudes subtract, and you are left with a wave having a smaller amplitude but the same phase as the larger of the two. You can draw this out on graph paper quite easily.
I am assuming sine waves here.
 
I suspected as much, just wanted to make sure. Thanks =)
 

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