Chapter 12.3, Problem 17R

To determine

To explain: The difference between coherent light and incoherent light.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The type of wave carrying energy through matter and space is known as light.

Comparison between coherent and incoherent light is mentioned below:

Coherent light	Incoherent light
It moves in one direction which means it is uni-directional.	It moves in all the direction which means it is omni-directional.
The wavelength does not change with path.	It has more than one wavelength. The wavelength changes with path.
The waves of the same frequency are emitted in it.	The waves of different frequencies are emitted in it.
The phase difference is either constant or zero.	The phase difference is random.
Total irradiance is $\propto {\text{N}}^{\text{2}}$or zero.	Total irradiance is ∝N

Conclusion:

Coherent light and incoherent light are different from each other.