Science glossary film: Interference

The effect that happens when two waves travelling through the same space meet. If the waveforms reinforce each other, constructive interference occurs and amplitudes increase. If waves arrive out of step they can cancel each other out – known as destructive interference. The effect can be seen in soap bubbles or oily films on water, where light waves interfere to produce coloured fringes and patterns.

If the waveforms reinforce each other, constructive interference occurs and amplitudes increase. If waves arrive out of step they can cancel each other out – known as destructive interference. The effect can be seen in soap bubbles or oily films on water, where light waves interfere to produce coloured fringes and patterns.