If you are redistributing all or part of this book in a print format, Want to cite, share, or modify this book? This book uses the This book may not be used in the training of large language models or otherwise be ingested into large language models or generative AI offerings without OpenStax's permission. We will pursue interference patterns elsewhere in this text. Figure 16.45 shows what this interference might look like. The larger the displacement x x size 12, other places where the intensity is zero, and others in between.

More quantitatively, a wave is a displacement that is resisted by a restoring force. Large ocean breakers churn up the shore more than small ones. Loud sounds have higher pressure amplitudes and come from larger-amplitude source vibrations than soft sounds. Large-amplitude earthquakes produce large ground displacements. The amount of energy in a wave is related to its amplitude. Ultrasound is used for deep-heat treatment of muscle strains. Loud sounds pulverize nerve cells in the inner ear, causing permanent hearing loss. Earthquakes can shake whole cities to the ground, performing the work of thousands of wrecking balls. The energy of some waves can be directly observed. (credit: Petty Officer 2nd Class Candice Villarreal, U.S.

The Richter scale rating of earthquakes is related to both their amplitude and the energy they carry.

Figure 16.44 The destructive effect of an earthquake is palpable evidence of the energy carried in these waves.

Light intensity to force equation