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

Practice Questions

Q1
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?
  1. 0 radians
  2. π/2 radians
  3. π radians
  4. 2π radians

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

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.
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