Relationship of Wave Frequency and Interference Patterns

The number of nodal and antinodal regions in an interference pattern depends on wave frequency.

Discussion

Waves from two point sources interfere constructively and destructively as they pass each other. The result is a pattern of radial nodal regions, where waves from the two sources interfere destructively, resulting in little or no wave amplitude. Between these nodal regions, waves interfere constructively, resulting in traveling waves with maximal amplitude. Thus regions of negligible wave amplitude alternate with areas of maximal wave amplitude.

As the frequency of the interfering waves increases, the number of nodal regions and regions with maximal wave amplitude increases. This effect is best seen by stepping through the movie.