If the mediums are similar, most of the energy will be transferred. However, the reflected waves will be inverted if the medium that comes next is more dense or it won't be inverted if the medium is less dense. When two waves traveling in opposite directions through the same medium collide, the amplitude of the resulting wave will be the sum of the two initial waves. The resulting wave will be larger than the original waves. The highest point of a constructive interference is called an antinode .
Destructive interference is when the amplitudes of the initial waves are opposite.
The amplitude of the resulting wave will be zero. The point in the middle of a destructive interference is called a node and it never moves. The angle between the incident wave and the normal is the same as the angle between the normal and the reflected wave. This change is called refraction. When a wave travels through a small hole in a barrier, it bends around the edges.