For interference of light waves to take place, the required condition is:
Correct answer: D. The light waves must come from two coherent sources
- A. The path difference of the light waves from the two sources must be large
- B. The interfering waves must be non-coherent
- C. The light waves may come from different sources
- D. The light waves must come from two coherent sources
Explanation
For light waves to successfully interfere the sources of the waves must be coherent, which means they emit identical waves with a constant phase difference and the waves should be monochromatic (single wavelength).
This question appeared on the UHS MDCAT 2011 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
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About Superposition and Interference
Superposition states that overlapping waves produce a resultant displacement equal to the algebraic sum of their individual displacements. Interference covers constructive and destructive interference, phase difference, path difference, coherent sources, and conditions for maxima and minima. It differs from diffraction, which involves spreading around openings or obstacles.
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