The phenomenon of interference in light waves is a direct consequence of:
The superposition principle of waves.
The superposition principle of waves. is correct.
Interference is the redistribution of light intensity when two or more coherent waves overlap. By the superposition principle, the resultant displacement at any point is the algebraic sum of the displacements of the individual waves.
Where crests meet crests (path difference \(n\lambda\)) the waves add and give bright fringes (constructive interference); where crests meet troughs (path difference \((2n+1)\dfrac{\lambda}{2}\)) they cancel and give dark fringes, as in Young's double-slit experiment.
The particle (photon) picture does not explain fringes; diffraction is a separate effect of bending around obstacles, itself explained by superposition; polarization shows that light is a transverse wave, not why waves interfere.
Similar Questions
Due to which scientific phenomenon does a stick, when partly immersed in water, appears to be bent?
Convex mirror is used as:
When a ray of light is passed through a prism, it splits into his constituent colours. This phenomenon is called:
The phenomenon of total internal reflection can occur when light travels from:
Important Questions from Optics
- The line joining the centre of curvature and the pole of a given spherical mirror is called __________.
- What is the condition for total internal reflection to occur?
- The critical angle for diamond is approximately ________.
- Which type of lens is used in a simple microscope?
- A student shows a concave lens forming a diminished real image on the screen. The mistake is:
