Adding two waves with different amplitudes

[Zahidur]

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?

 

[tech99]

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.

 

[Zahidur]

I suspected as much, just wanted to make sure. Thanks =)