If two waves interfere constructively, what is the condition for the path difference?

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Q: If two waves interfere constructively, what is the condition for the path difference?

Solution: Constructive interference occurs when the path difference is nλ, where n is an integer.

Steps: 7

Step 1: Understand what waves are. Waves can be thought of as repeating patterns that carry energy.
Step 2: Learn about interference. When two waves meet, they can add together (interfere) in different ways.
Step 3: Know the two types of interference: constructive and destructive. Constructive interference happens when waves add together to make a bigger wave.
Step 4: Identify the condition for constructive interference. This occurs when the waves are in sync, meaning their peaks and troughs align.
Step 5: Understand path difference. Path difference is the difference in distance traveled by the two waves to reach the same point.
Step 6: Learn the formula for constructive interference. The path difference must be equal to n times the wavelength (λ), where n is any whole number (0, 1, 2, ...).
Step 7: Conclude that for constructive interference, the condition is that the path difference = nλ.