The first thing we are going to do to discover the meaning of the term interference is to know its etymological origin. In this case, we have to explain that it derives from English, specifically from the word “interference”. Exactly that is the result of the union of two different parts: the verb “interfere”, which can be translated as “interfere”, and the suffix “-ence”.
This is what the act and result of interfering is called: altering the development of something, crossing.
Among the many words that can be used as synonyms for interference are interruption, hindrance, interference, crossing, obstacle, cut or interference. On the contrary, among its antonyms we find terms such as resumption or discretion.
In the field of physics , the action that waves perform reciprocally is called interference, causing the cancellation, growth or decrease of the wave movement depending on the case. When interference occurs, two or more waves end up superimposing and giving rise to the appearance of a new wave that may have a lower, equal or greater amplitude.
Interference can be generated in any kind of wave . Sound waves and light waves, for example, can interfere.
In the field of communication , interference involves a modification of the message while it is transmitted through a channel. Suppose two people are talking on a cell phone (mobile). If interference occurs in the signals, it is possible that each individual hears the interlocutor's voice broken, making conversation difficult.
Specifically, in the field of communication we have to point out that there are two types of interference:
-Constructive interference, which is what increases the intensity of two waves. Exactly this occurs when there are two waves that have an identical or similar frequency and the crest of one wave is superimposed on the crest of the other. This causes their effects to come together and, therefore, give rise to a wave of greater amplitude.
-Destructive interference, for its part, is what is responsible for reducing the intensity of two waves. Specifically, what happens is that the crest of one wave overlaps the trough of the other wave and this results in them canceling out.
In the field of Psychology, on the other hand, there is the Interference Theory. What this comes to show is that forgetting is the result of the interference of some memories on others.
The concept of interference also appears in sport . In American football , interference is a movement that a player makes to obstruct the advance of an opponent with his body. In ice hockey , interference is considered a foul: a player makes it impossible for another athlete who does not have the puck to move.
The idea of interference or humanitarian interference , finally, refers to the intervention of international organizations and/or States in a sovereign country through the use of weapons. The intervened nation does not give its consent for this action, which aims to protect the civilian population in an emergency (genocide, civil war, etc.).