When two waves are superimposed, the interference can either be constructive or destructive. In this case, the interference is constructive and the waves are in phase, which means we add the amplitudes together.

Since each wave has an amplitude of , our new amplitude will be .

When two waves are superimposed, the interference can be either constructive or destructive. In this case the interference is destructive, which means our resultant amplitude will be the difference of the two given amplitudes.

That means our new amplitude will be .

When two waves are superimposed with destructive interference, they cancel each other out. Since these two waves are identical, they will completely cancel each other out and there will be no wave. It will be still.

Radio waves have the smallest frequency and longest wavelength. This is why they are not dangerous. Microwaves have the next longest wavelength and are what are used to warm up cold foods. Infrared waves are the next longest wavelength and border the red light on the visible spectrum. Infrared waves are used in remote controls and night vision. Visible light is next and is what we can see with our eyes. Next is ultraviolet, which borders the violet light on the visible spectrum. These are the damaging rays by the sun and are essentially “super-violet” rays. Next is X-rays. These have very high frequencies and are dangerous in high quantities. Gamma rays are the shortest wavelength and the highest frequency and the most dangerous. These cosmic rays often come from stars and other celestial objects.

When waves interfere with one another, they pass through each, and others can undergo either constructive or destructive interference.  In constructive interference, waves add together to produce a briefly more massive wave.  In destructive interference, waves subtract from each other to create a smaller wave.  However, once the waves move past one another, they will return to their original shape and size.

Waves carry energy along the path displacing the matter for a brief period. However, the matter does not travel along the wave and instead will return to its natural rest position once the wave moves past it. For example, an ocean wave can travel many miles without displacing the entire ocean.

Transverse waves are waves whose particles travel perpendicular to the direction that the wave itself is traveling. Electromagnetic waves are another example of transverse waves.

The relationship between wavelength and frequency is given by the equation  where  is the wavelength,  is the speed of light, and  is frequency.

We are given the values for frequency and the speed of light, allowing us to solve for the wavelength.

Electromagnetic waves all travel at the same speed which is the speed of light.  The speed of light in a vacuum is nearly 

Electromagnetic waves are the only type of wave that does not require a medium to travel. Light, radio, and microwaves are examples of electromagnetic waves. Sound does require a medium to travel. In a vacuum, soundwaves cannot travel as there is no air to compress.