Wave interference is a physical phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves overlap in the same region of space. The resulting pattern of the combined wave is determined by the principle of superposition, meaning the waves combine their amplitudes algebraically. Depending on the relative phases and amplitudes of the interacting waves, two primary outcomes can be observed: constructive interference, where the peaks and troughs align to produce a resultant wave with a larger amplitude than the individual waves, and destructive interference, where the opposing peaks and troughs cancel each other out, potentially resulting in zero wave amplitude. This principle is fundamental to understanding the propagation of various wave types, including sound, electromagnetic radiation, and mechanical waves.