Light Interference: Find Condition of d for Constructive Interference

In summary, light interference occurs when two or more light waves interact and either amplify or cancel each other out. Constructive interference occurs when waves with the same frequency and phase overlap, resulting in a larger amplitude and brighter light. The condition for constructive interference is when the path difference between two waves is equal to a whole number of wavelengths. This can be used to find the distance between two sources of light by measuring the wavelength and counting the number of fringes. However, factors such as wavelength, distance, and angle can affect the condition for constructive interference and alter the interference pattern.
  • #1
Hamal_Arietis
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15

Homework Statement


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[/B]
Find condition of d that constructive interference occurs
with m=1,2,3,...
a)##(m-\frac{1}{2})\frac{\lambda}{2}##
b)##m\frac{\lambda}{2}##
c)##(m-\frac{1}{2})\lambda##
d)##m\lambda##

Homework Equations


optical path difference (OPD) must equal ##m\lambda##

The Attempt at a Solution


The optical path difference i finded is:
$$2d+\frac{\lambda}{2}=m\lambda$$
So ##d=(m-\frac{1}{2})\frac{\lambda}{2}## and I choose A
But the answer is B)## d=m\lambda##
Where is wrong?
Thanks for helping
 
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  • #2
Your work looks correct to me. I also think (a) is the right answer.
 
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Related to Light Interference: Find Condition of d for Constructive Interference

1. What is light interference?

Light interference refers to the phenomenon where two or more light waves interact with each other and either amplify or cancel each other out, resulting in a change in the overall intensity of light in a given area.

2. How does constructive interference occur?

Constructive interference occurs when two or more light waves with the same frequency and phase overlap and combine, resulting in a larger amplitude and brighter light. This is due to the waves reinforcing each other.

3. What is the condition for constructive interference to occur?

The condition for constructive interference to occur is when the path difference between two waves is equal to a whole number (n) of wavelengths (λ). This can be expressed as nd = nλ, where d is the distance between the two sources of light and n is an integer.

4. How can the condition for constructive interference be used to find the distance (d) between two sources of light?

The condition for constructive interference, nd = nλ, can be rearranged to solve for d. By measuring the wavelength of the light and counting the number of bright spots (fringes) in the interference pattern, the distance between the sources of light can be calculated.

5. What factors can affect the condition for constructive interference?

The condition for constructive interference can be affected by factors such as the wavelength of the light, the distance between the sources of light, and the angle at which the waves are interacting. Changes in these factors can result in a change in the number of fringes and alter the condition for constructive interference.

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