Wave Interference Patterns

How It Works

Two point sources emit circular waves. Where wave crests meet crests, they add up (constructive interference). Where crests meet troughs, they cancel out (destructive interference).

Try this:

• Move the sources closer together — how does the pattern change?
• Increase the frequency — what happens to the spacing?
• Can you find the nodal lines (places of perfect cancellation)?

The Physics: Wave interference is one of the most important phenomena in physics. It proves that light, sound, and water waves all share wave properties. This same pattern appears in the famous double-slit experiment.