- #1
alingy1
- 325
- 0
Homework Statement
http://i.imgur.com/FiYb9OE.png
Problem b). Looking at the attached document of my teacher, the visual representation of the answer does make sense.
Homework Equations
2pi(delta(x1-x2))+delta(phase constant)
Basic interference problem in One-Dimension.
The Attempt at a Solution
After all, the two waves end up contructively interfering. However, in the picture, the phase constant of 2 is pi/2 and the phase constant of 1 is 0. My teacher uses the equation 2pi(delta(x1-x2))+delta(phase constant). However, here is what I do not understand. For delta(phase constant), she substracts as follows: phase constant of 2 (pi/2) minus phase constant of 1 (0). Inevitably, she gets a positive value for delta(phase constant).
Why is it that she can change the order of the delta? "1"-"2" vs "2"-"1"
I looked at the proof of this formula to dig up more info. For those interested, I looked up chapter 21.6 of Knight's Physics textbook. The author clearly mentions that when one chooses a particular order, he must stick to it for both delta x and delta phase constant.
I tried sticking to it. But the result gives me destructive interference!
Why?