When two sine waves with different amplitudes are superimposed, destructive interference occurs when the peak of one wave aligns with the trough of the other. However, total destructive interference only happens if the amplitudes are equal; otherwise, the resulting wave will have a smaller amplitude than the larger wave but retain the phase of that larger wave. This phenomenon can be visually represented on graph paper, illustrating the amplitude subtraction clearly.
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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.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?