What occurs when two sound waves interact constructively?

When two sound waves interact constructively, they combine in such a way that their amplitudes add together. This phenomenon occurs when the crest of one wave aligns with the crest of another wave, or the trough of one wave aligns with the trough of another. As a result, the overall amplitude of the resulting sound wave increases. This amplification leads to a louder sound, which is a key characteristic of constructive interference.

In contrast, when sound waves interact destructively, the waves can cancel each other out, leading to a decrease in amplitude. An increase or change in frequency is not directly related to the constructive interaction of sound waves; rather, frequency is determined by the source of the sound. An echo is a reflected sound wave that occurs after an initial sound has been produced and is also unrelated to the constructive interference of sound waves.