Does the principle of linear superposition imply that two sound waves, passing through the same place at the same time, always create a louder sound than either wave alone?

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Dayana Doyle · Accepted Answer

No, this principle does not imply that two sound waves always create a louder sound. The superposition principle states that in all linear systems two waves make a wave which is a sum of there two.It depends what kind of interference is present. If there is constructive interference, then in that case the amplitude of the resulting wave is equal to the sum of the individual amplitudes.If there is a destructive interference, where both waves have the same frequency and amplitude, no sound will be heard. That&#039;s because positive displacement of one wave is canceled by negative displacement of the other wave.

Does the principle of linear superposition imply that two sound waves, passing through the same place at the same time, always create a louder sound than either wave alone?

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