If two coherent sources of light are in phase, what will be the phase difference

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Question: If two coherent sources of light are in phase, what will be the phase difference at a point where the path difference is λ/2?

Options:

Correct Answer: π radians

Solution:

A path difference of λ/2 corresponds to a phase difference of π radians, leading to destructive interference.

If two coherent sources of light are in phase, what will be the phase difference at a point where the path difference is λ/2?

If two coherent sources of light are in phase, what will be the phase difference at a point where the path difference is λ/2?

Step 1: Understand that coherent sources of light are sources that emit light waves with a constant phase difference.
Step 2: Know that the wavelength of light is represented by the symbol λ (lambda).
Step 3: Recognize that a path difference is the difference in distance traveled by two light waves to reach a point.
Step 4: Identify that a path difference of λ/2 means one wave has traveled half a wavelength more than the other.
Step 5: Learn that a full wavelength (λ) corresponds to a phase difference of 2π radians.
Step 6: Calculate the phase difference for a path difference of λ/2: Since λ corresponds to 2π, then λ/2 corresponds to π radians.
Step 7: Conclude that a phase difference of π radians leads to destructive interference, meaning the waves cancel each other out.

Coherent Sources – Coherent sources are light sources that maintain a constant phase relationship, which is crucial for interference patterns.
Path Difference – The path difference is the difference in distance traveled by two waves from their sources to a given point, affecting their phase relationship.
Phase Difference – The phase difference is the difference in phase between two waves, which determines whether they interfere constructively or destructively.
Interference – Interference occurs when two or more waves overlap, leading to a new wave pattern that can be constructive (amplifying) or destructive (diminishing).