When two waves collide, the resulting effect on the amplitude depends on the type of waves and the nature of the collision. Generally, there are two possible outcomes: constructive interference and destructive interference.
Constructive Interference: When two waves with similar frequencies and aligned peaks and troughs meet, they can reinforce each other, resulting in an increase in the amplitude of the resulting wave. This phenomenon is called constructive interference. The amplitude of the resulting wave is the sum of the amplitudes of the individual waves.
Destructive Interference: When two waves with similar frequencies but opposite phase (peaks and troughs aligned in opposite directions) meet, they can cancel each other out or reduce the amplitude of the resulting wave. This is known as destructive interference. The amplitude of the resulting wave is the difference between the amplitudes of the individual waves.
It's important to note that these effects occur only if the waves are coherent, meaning they have a constant phase relationship. If the waves have different frequencies or are not perfectly aligned, the resulting wave may exhibit complex patterns of interference, and the amplitude can vary depending on the specific conditions of the collision.
In summary, when two waves collide, they can either reinforce each other (constructive interference) or cancel each other out (destructive interference), leading to changes in the resulting wave's amplitude.