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Two in phase sources create circular waves of wavelength lambda, and the interference pattern shows up on the screen with dotted lines showing where constructive interference occurs. What is the optical path length difference between the two sources at point P? λ λ/2 3λ/2 5λ/2

Two in phase sources create circular waves of wavelength lambda, and the interference pattern shows up on the screen with dotted lines showing where constructive interference occurs. What is the optical path length difference between the two sources at point P? λ λ/2 3λ/2 5λ/2

College Physics
College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
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Two in phase sources create circular waves of wavelength lambda, and the interference pattern shows up on the screen with dotted lines showing where constructive interference occurs. What is the optical path length difference between the two sources at point P?

  • λ
  • λ/2
  • 3λ/2
  • 5λ/2
The image displays an interference pattern resulting from the superposition of waves emanating from two point sources. The diagram includes the following elements: 1. **Concentric Circles**: These represent wavefronts radiating outward from each of the two point sources. The wavefronts from each source are evenly spaced, indicating consistent wavelengths and frequencies. 2. **Interference Pattern**: The overlapping of wavefronts creates regions of constructive and destructive interference. Constructive interference occurs where the wavefronts coincide, amplifying the wave, while destructive interference occurs where the wave crests and troughs cancel each other out. 3. **Point ‘P’**: A dotted line leads to a point labeled ‘P’ on a straight vertical line. This point could indicate a location of interest on a screen or boundary where the interference pattern is observed, such as in a double-slit experiment. 4. **Dashed Lines**: These lines indicate paths of equal optical path length difference, showing regions where constructive interference (e.g., antinodes or bright fringes) might occur. This diagram is typically used to illustrate fundamental concepts in wave physics, such as interference and diffraction, pertinent to studies in optics and acoustic wave behavior.
Transcribed Image Text:The image displays an interference pattern resulting from the superposition of waves emanating from two point sources. The diagram includes the following elements: 1. **Concentric Circles**: These represent wavefronts radiating outward from each of the two point sources. The wavefronts from each source are evenly spaced, indicating consistent wavelengths and frequencies. 2. **Interference Pattern**: The overlapping of wavefronts creates regions of constructive and destructive interference. Constructive interference occurs where the wavefronts coincide, amplifying the wave, while destructive interference occurs where the wave crests and troughs cancel each other out. 3. **Point ‘P’**: A dotted line leads to a point labeled ‘P’ on a straight vertical line. This point could indicate a location of interest on a screen or boundary where the interference pattern is observed, such as in a double-slit experiment. 4. **Dashed Lines**: These lines indicate paths of equal optical path length difference, showing regions where constructive interference (e.g., antinodes or bright fringes) might occur. This diagram is typically used to illustrate fundamental concepts in wave physics, such as interference and diffraction, pertinent to studies in optics and acoustic wave behavior.
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