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 Class 12 Physics
Previous Year Questions
Chapter-10 : Wave Optics

1
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 Objective Qs (1 mark)

1. A ray of monochromatic light propagating in air, is incident on the surface of water. Which of the
following will be the same for the reflected and refracted rays?
(a) Energy carried
(b) Speed
(c) Frequency
(d) Wavelength
[CBSE 2023]

Very Short & Short Qs (1-3 marks)

2. Define wavefront of a travelling wave. Using Huygens principle, obtain the law of refraction at a
plane interface when light passes from a rarer to a denser medium.
[CBSE Term-2 2022, 2020]

3. Define wavefront. Draw the shape of refracted wavefront when the plane incident wave
undergoes refraction from optically denser medium to rarer medium. Hence prove Snell's law of
refraction.

[CBSE SQP Term-2 2022]

4. Explain the following, giving reasons:
(A) When monochromatic light is incident on a surface separating two media, the reflected and
refracted light both have the same frequency as the incident frequency. Explain why?

(B) When light travels from a rarer to a denser medium, the speed decreases. Does the reduction
in speed imply a reduction in the energy carried by the light wave?

(C) In the wave picture of light, intensity of light is determined by the square of the amplitude of
the wave. What determines the intensity of light in the photon picture of light.
[Delhi Gov. SQP Term-2 2022]

5. (A) What type of wave front will emerge from:

(i) point source

(ii) distant light source

(B) What are coherent sources of light?

(C) Monochromatic light of wavelength 589 nm is incident from air on a water surface. What is
the wavelength and speed of reflected light?
[Delhi Gov. SQP Term-2 2022]

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6. Define the term, "refractive index" of a medium. Verify Snell's law of refraction when a plane
wave front is propagating from a denser to a rarer medium.
[CBSE 2019]

7. State huygen's principle. Consider a plane wavefront incident on a thin convex lens. Draw a
proper diagram to show how the incident wavefront traverses through the lens and after refraction
focusses on the focal point of the lens, giving the shape of the emergent wavefront.
[CBSE 2016]
8. A plane wavefront propagating in a medium of refractive index 𝜇1 is incident on a plane surface
making the angle of incidence 𝑖 as shown in the figure.

It enters into a medium of refraction of refractive index 𝜇2 (𝜇2 − 𝜇1 ). Use Huygen's construction
of secondary wavelets to trace the propagation of the refracted wavefront. Hence verify snell's law
of refraction.
[CBSE 2015]

9. Define the term 'coherent sources' which are required to produce interference pattern in Young's
double slit experiment.
[CBSE 2014]

Long Os 4-5 marks

Long Qs (4 - 5 marks)

10. (A) State Huygen's principle. With the help of a diagram, show how a plane wave is reflected
from a surface. Hence verify the law of reflection.

[CBSE, 2023, 20, 19, 17]

11. (A) Define a wavefront. How is it different from a ray?
(B) Depict the shape of a wavefront in each of the following case:

(i) Light diverging from point source.

(ii) Light emerging out of a convex lens when a point source is placed at its focus.

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 (C) Using Huygen's construction of secondary wavelets, draw a diagram showing the passage of a
plane wavefront from a denser into a rarer medium.
[CBSE 2015]

12. A plane light wave propagating from a rarer into a denser medium, is incident at an angle i on
the surface separating two media. Using Huygen's principle, draw the refracted wave and hence
verify Snell's law of refraction.
(2024)
2. REFLECTION AND REFRACTION OF LIGHT:
13. (a) Monochromatic light of frequency 5.0 × 1014 Hz passes from air into a medium of refractive
index 1.5. Find the wavelength of the light
(i) reflected, and
(ii) refracted at the interface of the two media. (2024)

3. INTERFERENCE OF LIGHT WAVES

Objective Qs (1 mark)
14. In a Young's double slit experiment, the path difference at a certain point on the screen between
1
two interfering waves is th of the wavelength. The ratio of intensity at this point to that at the
8
centre of a bright fringe is close to:
(a) 0.80
(b) 0.74
(c) 0.94
(d) 0.85

[CBSE SQP 2022]

15. The shape of the interference fringes in Young's double slit experiment when D (distance between
slit and screen) is very large as compared to fringe width is nearly:
(a) straight line
(b) parabolic
(c) circular
(d) hyperbolic
[CBSE 2020]
For Question 16 two statements are given -one labelled Assertion (A) and other labelled
Reason (R). Select the correct answer to these questions from the options as given below.
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is correct explanation of Assertion.
(b) It both Assertion and Reason are true but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
(c) If Assertion is true but Reason is false.
(d) If both Assertion and Reason are false.

16. Assertion (A): In Young's double slit experiment all fringes are of equal width.

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 Reason (R): The fringe width depends upon wavelength of light (𝜆) used, distance of screen
from plane of slits (D) and slits separation (d).
[CBSE 2023]
17. Assertion (A): In interference and diffraction of light, light energy reduces in one region producing
a darkfringe. It increases in another region and produces a bright fringe.
Reason (R): This happens because energy is not conserved in the phenomena of interference and
diffraction.
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
(2024)

18. Assertion (A): In a Young's double-slit experiment, interference pattern is not observed when two
coherent sources are infinitely close to each other.
Reason (R): The fringe width is proportional to the separation between the two
sources.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
(2024)
19. Assertion (A): In an interference pattern observed in Young's double slit experiment, if the
separation (d) between coherent sources as well as the distance (D) of the screen from the
coherent sources both are reduced to 1/3rd then new fringe width remains the same.
𝑑
Reason ( 𝑅 ): Fringe width is proportional to �𝐷�.
(2024)
Very Short & Short Qs (1-3 marks)
20. Two waves, each of amplitude ‘a’ and frequency ‘ω’ emanating from two coherent sources of
light superpose at a point. If the phase difference between the two waves is ϕ, obtain an expression
for the resultant intensity at that point.
(2024)

21. What is the effect on the interference pattern in Young’s double-slit experiment when (i) the source slit is
moved closer to the plane of the slits, and (ii) the separation between the two slits is increased?
Justify your answers.
(2024)
22. A narrow slit is illuminated by a parallel beam of monochromatic light of wavelength 𝜆 equal to
6000Å and the angular width of the central maximum in the resulting diffraction pattern is
measured. When the slit is next illuminated by light of wavelength 𝜆′, the angular width decreases
by 30%. Calculate the value of the wavelength 𝜆′.
[CBSE SQP 2022]

23. Two slits are made one milli metre apart and the screen is placed one metre away. What is the
fringe separation when blue green light of wavelength 500 nm is used?
[Delhi Gov. SQP Term-2 2022]

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24. How will the interference pattern in Young's double-slit experiment be affected if.
(A) The screen is moved away from the plane of the slits.

(B) The source slit is moved away from the plane of the slits.
(C) The phase difference between the light waves emanating from the two slits 𝑆1 and 𝑆2 changes
from 0 to 𝜋 and remains constant.
[CBSE Term-2 2022]

25. A slit of width 0.6 mm is illuminated by a beam of light consisting of two wavelengths 600 nm
and 480 nm. The diffraction pattern is observed on a screen 1.0 m from the slit. Find:
(A) The distance of the second bright fringe from the central maximum pertaining to light of
600 nm.
(B) The least distance from the central maximum at which bright fringes due to both the
wavelengths coincide.
[CBSE Term-2 2022]

26. (A) Why are coherent sources necessary to produce a sustained interference pattern?
(B) Why does the intensity of a secondary maximum become less as compared to the central
maximum?

(C) In a double-slit experiment, the distance between slits is increased ten times whereas their
distance from the screen is halved. What is the fringe width?
[Delhi Gov. SQP Term-2 2022]

27. A beam of light consisting of two wavelength 600 nm and 500 nm is used in a Young's double
slit experiment. The slit separation is 1.0 mm and the screen is kept 0.60 m away from the plane
of the slits. Calculate:
(A) the distance of the second bright fringe from the central maximum for wavelength 500 nm,
and
(B) the least distance from the central maximum where the bright fringes due to both the
wavelength coincide.
[CBSE Term-2 2022]

28. Briefly explain how bright and dark fringes are formed on the screen in Young's double slit
experiment. Hence derive the expression for the fringe width.
[CBSE Term - 2 2022]
29. How can you differentiate whether a pattern is produced by a single slit or double slits? Derive the
expression for the angular position of (i) bright, and (ii) dark fringes produced in a single slit
diffraction.
[CBSE Term - 2 2022]
30. Two waves from two coherent sources 𝑆 and 𝑆 ′ superimpose at 𝑋 as shown in figure. If 𝑋 is a
point on the second minima and SX - SX' is 4.5 cm. Calculate the wavelength of the waves.

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 [CBSE 2021]
31. What should be the width of each slit to obtain 𝑛 maxima of double slit pattern within the central
maxima of single slit pattern?
[CBSE 2021]

32. Draw the graph showing intensity distribution of fringes with phase angle due to diffraction
through single slit.
[CBSE 2021]

33. In young's double slit experiment, the path difference between two interfering waves at a point on
the screen is 5/2, being wavelength of the light used. The ............. dark fringe will lie at this
point.
[CBSE 2020]
34. If one of the slits in Young's double slit experiment is fully closed, the new pattern has .........
central maximum in angular size.
[CBSE 2020]

35. Write the conditions on path difference under which (𝐴) constructive (𝐵) destructive interference
occur in Young's double experiment.
[CBSE 2020]

36. In a single slit diffraction experiment, the width of slit is increased. How will the (𝐴) size (B)
intensity of the central bright band be affected? Justify your answer.

[CBSE 2020]
37. Describe any two characteristic features which distinguish between interference and diffraction
phenomena. Derive the expression for the intensity at a point of the interference pattern in
Young's double slit experiment.
[CBSE 2019]
OR
Compare the interference pattern observed in Young's double slit experiment with single slit
diffraction pattern, pointing out three distinguishing features.
[CBSE 2016]
38. (A) If one of two identical slits producing interference in Young's experiment is covered with
glass, so that the light intensity passing through it is reduced to 50%, find the ratio of the
maximum and minimum intensity of the fringe in the interference pattern.
(B) What kind of fringes do you expect to observe if white light is used instead of monochromatic
light?
[CBSE 2018]

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39. Draw the intensity pattern for single slit diffraction and double slit interference. Hence, state two
differences between interference and diffraction patterns.
[CBSE 2017]
40. Answer the following questions:
(A) In a double slit experiment using light of wavelength of 600 nm, the angular width of the
fringe formed on a distant screen is 0.1∘ . Find the spacing between the two slits.
(B) Light of wavelength 5000Å propagating in air gets partly reflected from the surface of water.
How will the wavelengths and frequencies of the reflected and refracted light be affected?
[CBSE 2015]

41. Why cannot two independent monochromatic sources produce sustained interference pattern?
[CBSE 2015]
42. (A) The ratio of the widths of two slits in Young's double slit experiments is 4:1.
Evaluate the ratio of intensities at maxima and minima in the interference pattern.

(B) Does the appearance of bright and dark fringes in the interference pattern violate, in any ways,
conservation of energy? Explain.
[CBSE 2015]

43. For a single slit of width 𝑎, the first minimum of the interference pattern of a monochromatic light
𝜆 𝜆
of wavelength 𝜆 occurs at an angle of . At the same angle of , we get a maximum for two
𝑎 𝜔
narrow slits separated by a distance 𝑎. Explain.
[CBSE 2014]

Long Qs (4-5 marks)

44. (A) Why cannot the phenomenon of interference be observed by illuminating two pin holes with
two sodium lamps?
(B) Two monochromatic waves having displacements 𝑦1 = 𝑎cos 𝜔𝑡 and 𝑦2 = 𝑎cos(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙)
from two coherent sources interfere to produce an interference pattern. Derive the expression for
the resultant intensity and obtain the conditions for constructive and destructive interference.

(C) Two wavelengths of sodium light of 590 nm and 596 nm are used in turn to study the
diffraction taking place at a single slit of aperture 2 × 10−6 m. If the distance between the slit and
the screen is 1.5 m, calculate the separation between the positions of the second maxima of
diffraction pattern obtained in the two cases.

[CBSE 2019]

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45. In Young's double slit experiment, deduce the condition for (A) constructive, and (B) destructive
interference at a point on the screen. Draw the graph showing variation on intensity in the
interference pattern against position ' 𝑥 ' on the screen.
[CBSE 2016]

46. The ratio of the intensities at minima to the maxima in the Young's double slit experiment is
9: 25. Find the ratio of the widths of the two slits.
[CBSE 2014]

47. In a Young's double slit experiment, the slits are separated by 0.30 mm and the screen is kept
1.5 m away. The wavelength of light used is 600 nm. Calculate the distance between the central
bright fringe and the 4th dark fringe.
(2024)

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 Class 10 Physics
PYQ Solutions
Chapter-10 : Wave Optics

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 1. (c) frequency
Explanation: The frequency of a monochromatic light wave is determined by the source of the wave
and remains constant as it propagates through different medium. When a ray of monochromatic light
is incident on the surface of water, some of the light will be reflected and some will be refracted. The
speed of light changes as it passes through different medium, and the wavelength of the light also
changes. However, the frequency of the light remains constant.

Therefore, the property that will be the same for the reflected and refracted rays is the frequency of
the light.

2. Wave front is a surface of constant phase.

After time 𝜏BC is the distance travelled in medium 1 and AE in medium 2.

𝑣1 -- Velocity in medium 1

𝑣2 -- Velocity in medium 2

From △ ABC
𝑣1 𝜏
sin 𝑖 =
AC
△ AEC

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 𝑣2 𝜏
sin 𝑟 =
𝐴𝐶
sin 𝑖 𝑣1
=
sin 𝑟 𝑣2
𝐶
𝑛1 =
𝑣1
𝐶
𝑛2 =
𝑣2
𝑣1 𝑛2
=
𝑣2 𝑛1

𝑛1 sin 𝑖 = 𝑛2 sin 𝑟 (from (i) and (ii))

Which represents law of refraction.

3. A wavefront is defined as the continuous locus of all such particles of the medium which are
vibrating in the same phase at any instant.

From the right △ ABC,

BC
sin ∠BAC = sin 𝑖 =
AC
From the right △ AFC,

AE
sin ∠ECA = sin 𝑟 =
AC
sin 𝑖 BC 𝑣1 𝜏
= =
sin 𝑟 AE 𝑣2 𝜏
𝑣1 sin 𝑖 = 𝑣2 sin 𝑟

This is the Snell's law of refraction.

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4. (A) Both the reflection and refraction takes place due to the interaction of light with the atoms at the
surface of the separation. Light incident on these atoms, force them to vibrate with the frequency of
light. But, the light emitted by these charged atoms is equal to their own frequency of oscillation. So,
both the reflected and refracted lights have same frequency, hence frequency remains changed.
(B) The energy carried by a wave depends on the amplitude of the wave. It does not depend on the
speed of the wave propagation. Hence the energy of the wave remains same and does not decrease.

(C) The intensity of light is determined by the number of photons incident per unit area around the
point at which intensity is to be determined.

5. (A) (1) Spherical wavefronts

(2) Plane wavefronts

(B) Coherent source of light are those sources which emit a light wave having the same frequency,
wavelength and are in the same phase or they have a constant phase difference. Two coherent sources
form sustained interference patterns when superimposition of waves occurs and the positions of
maxima and minima are fixed.

(C) Given, wavelength, 𝜆 = 589 nm = 589 × 10−9 m

Speed of light in air, 𝑐 = 3 × 108 m/s

Refractive index of water, 𝜇 = 1.33

The frequency of light does not depend on the property of the medium in which it is traveling. Hence,
the frequency of the refracted ray in water will be equal to the frequency of the incident or reflected
light in air.

So, refracted frequency,

𝑐 3 × 108
𝑣= = = 5.09 × 1014 Hz
𝜆 589 × 10−9
Speed of light in water is related to the refractive index of water as:

𝑐 3 × 108
𝑣= = = 2.26 × 108 m/s
𝜇 1.33

Wavelength of light in water is given by the relation,

𝑣 2.26 × 108
𝜆1 = =
𝑣 5.09 × 1014
= 444 × 10−9 m
= 444 nm
6. The refractive index of a medium is defined as the ratio of speed of light in vacuum to that of the
speed of the light in medium.

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 𝑐
i.e., 𝑛 =
𝑣

Where, 𝑛 = refractive index of medium when light ray passes from vaccum into a medium.

𝑐 = velocity of light in vacuum,

𝑣 = velocity of light in the medium.

Proof of Snell's law of refraction:

When a wavefront travels from one medium to other, it deviates from its path. In travelling from one
medium to other, the frequency of wave remains same and speed and wavelength changes. Let, 𝑋𝑌 be
a surface separating two media 1 and '2'. Let the speed of waves of 𝑣1 and 𝑣2 .

Suppose, a plane wavefront 𝐴𝐵 in first medium is incident obliquely on the boundary surface 𝑋𝑌 and
its end touches the surface at A at time 𝑡 = 0, while the other end 𝐵 reaches the surface at point 𝐵 '
after time-interval ' 𝑡 ' Clearly,

BB′ = 𝑣1 𝑡.

In the same time, wavelet starts from 𝐴 and reaches 𝐴 ' in time ' 𝑡 ' with velocity 𝑣2 .

Therefore, 𝐴𝐴′ = 𝑣2 𝑡

According to Huygen's principle, 𝐴′ 𝐵′ is the new position of the wavefront in second medium. 𝐴′ 𝐵′
is a refracted wave front.

Let, the incident wavefront (𝐴𝐵) and reflected wavefront ( 𝐴′ 𝐵′ ) makes angle 𝑖 and 𝑟 with surface
𝑋𝑌.
ln△ AB′ B,

∠ABB′ = 90∘
𝐵𝐵′ 𝑣1 𝑡
∴ sin 𝑖 = =
𝐴𝐵′ 𝐴𝐵′

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 ln△ AA′ B′ ,

∠AA′ B′ = 90∘
𝐴𝐴′ 𝑣2 𝑡
sin 𝑟 = =
𝐴𝐵′ 𝐴𝐵′
Dividing equation (i) by (ii),
sin 𝑖 𝑣1
we get = = constant
sin 𝑟 𝑣2

Hence, ratio of sine of angle of incidence and the sine of angle of refraction for a given pair of media
is constant. This is Snell's law of refraction.

7. A wavefront is the set of all points in space arriving at a given point. Distances from a wave that
always propagates in the same phase.
Huygen's principle is based on two assumptions:

(1) Each point on the wavefront serves as a secondary wave source. These secondary waves
propagate in all directions at the same speed as original wave does.

(2) If we draw an envelope in the secondary forward direction wavelets at a time, this shell indicates
the new location of wavefront at the moment.

8.

Let the plane wavefront 𝐴𝐵 be incident on the plane surface 𝑋𝑌 at an angle of incidence 𝑖.

Then, from the figure, we have

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 ∠BAA′ = ∠i

According to Huygens's principle, every point on 𝐴𝐵 is a source of secondary wavelets.

Let the secondary wavelet from 𝐵 strike 𝑋𝑌 at 𝐴′ in 𝑡 seconds. Then,

BA′ = 𝑐1 𝑡

Here, 𝑐1 is the velocity of light in the rarer medium.

The secondary wavelets from A travels in the denser medium and covers a distance AB'.

Then,

AB′ = 𝑐2 𝑡

Thus, 𝐴′ 𝐵′ will be the secondary wavefront after seconds. This would later advance to rays 1′ , 2 ',
and 3', which are the corresponding refracted rays perpendicular to 𝐴′ B′ .

We can also show that the secondary wavelets starting from any point 𝐷 on the incident wavefront
𝐴𝐵 after refraction at 𝑃 will reach point 𝐷′ and 𝐴′ 𝐵′ at the same time in which the secondary
wavelets from 𝐵 reach 𝐴′ . Therefore, 𝐴′ 𝐵′ is the true refracted wavefront with the angle of refraction
𝑟.

So, we have

∠A′ A′ B′ = ∠𝑟

Now is △ 𝐴𝐴′ 𝐵′

BA′ 𝑐1 𝑡
sin 𝑖 = ′
=
AA 𝐴𝐴′
ln△ AA′ B′

BA′ 𝑐2 𝑡
sin 𝑟 = =
AA′ AA′
sin 𝑖 𝑐/𝜇1 𝜇2
∴ = =
sin 𝑟 𝑐/𝜇2 𝜇1
⇒ 𝜇1 sin 𝑖 = 𝜇2 sin 𝑟

Hence, snell's law is verified.

9. Two monochromatic sources, which produce light wave, having a constant phase difference, are
known as coherent sources.

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 10. (A) Huygen's principle states that each point on a wavefront can be considered as a source of
secondary wavelets that spread out in all directions with a speed equal to the speed of propagation of
the wave. The wavefront at a later time is the envelope of all these secondary wavelets.

When a plane wave is incident on a reflecting surface, each point on the wavefront can be considered
as a source of secondary wavelets. These secondary wavelets propagate in all directions, including
back towards the reflecting surface. The reflected wavefront is then formed by the envelope of all
these reflected secondary wavelets.

Here is a diagram showing the reflection of a plane wave from a surface:

In this diagram, the incident plane wave is shown propagating towards the surface. Each point on the
wavefront is considered as a source of secondary wavelets, which spread out in all directions,
including back towards the surface. The reflected wavefront is formed by the envelope of all these
reflected secondary wavelets.

To verify the law of reflection, we can draw a line perpendicular to the reflecting surface at the point
of incidence, which is called the normal. The angle of incidence, 𝑖, is the angle between the incident
wave and the normal, and the angle of reflection, 𝑟, is the angle between the reflected wave and the
normal. According to the law of reflection, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection,
i.e., 𝑖 = 𝑟.
In the diagram above, the incident wave is shown at an angle of incidence 𝑖 with respect to the
normal, and the reflected wave is shown at an angle of reflection 𝑟 with respect to the normal. The
angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, i.e., i = r, which verifies the law of reflection.

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11. (A) A wavefront is the locus of all points in the medium that have the same phase difference from a
ray.
(i) The ray, at each point of a wavefront, is normal to the wavefront at that point.

(ii) The ray indicates the direction of propagation of wave while the wavefront is the surface of
constant phase.

(B) The shape of the wavefront, in the three cases, are as shown:

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

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12.

Considering triangles ABC and AEC:

BC v1 t
sin i = = ——(1)
AC AC

AE v2 t
sin r = = ——(2)
AC AC

From equation (1) and equation (2):

sin i v1
= ——(3)
sin r v2

If c represents the speed of light in vacuum, then:

c c
n1 = and n =
v1 2 v2

In terms of refractive indices n:

n1 sin i = n2 sin r

which is Snell's law of refraction.

(2024)

13.
(a)
Finding the wavelength of
(i) Reflected Light:
(ii) Refracted Light:
(i)
v = νλ

3×108 = 5×1014× λ
λ = 600 nm or 6×10-7 m

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(ii)
λ_medium = λ_air / μ
λ_medium = 600 nm / 1.5
= 400 nm or 4×10-7 m

14. (d) 0.85

Explanation: We know that,
2𝜋
Phase difference Δ𝜙 = Δ𝑥
𝜆

Δ𝜙
I = Imax cos2 � �
2
𝜋/4
I = Imax cos2 � �
2
I 𝜋 2
= �cos � ��
Imax 8
I
= (0.9238)2
Imax
I
= 0.853
Imax

2𝜋 𝜆 𝜆
Δ𝜙 = ⋅ � � � Given, Δ𝑥 = �
𝜆 8 8
𝜋
Δ𝜙 =
4
In Young's double slit experiment

We know that, intensity at any point,

15. (a) straight line

Explanation: The interference fringes produced by Young's double slit experiment are straight lines.

16. (a) If both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
Explanation: In Young's double slit experiment, the fringes are of equal width. The width of the
fringes depends upon the wavelength of light used, the distance of the screen from the plane of the
slits and the separation between the slits.

17. ( C ) Assertion ( A) is true and Reason ( R) is false (2024)

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18. (c) If Assertion is true but Reason is false
Explanation: Fringe width is inversely proportional to spacing between slits. If it doubled then fringe
width will be halved.
𝐷
𝛽 = 𝜆 × where 𝛽 is fringe width,
𝑑

D = separation between scree and slits.

𝑑 = sperate on bet ween the sects.

19. (C) Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false(2024).

20. x1 = a cos ωt

x2 = a cos (ωt + φ)
x = x1 + x2
x = a (cos ωt + cos (ωt + φ))
= a (cos ωt + cos (ωt + φ/2) cos (φ/2))
= 2a cos (φ/2) cos (ωt + φ/2)
Intensity
I = K (amplitude)² where K is a constant.
= K (2a cos (φ/2))²
= 4I0 cos² (φ/2)
I0 = Ka² = intensity of each incident wave.
(2024)
21. As S decreases, interference patterns produced by different parts of the source overlap and finally
fringes disappear. Alternatively As the source slit is brought closer to the plane of the slits, the screen
gets illuminated uniformly and fringes disappear. Alternatively Interference pattern is not formed.
(Note : Award full credit of this part if a student merely attempts this part.)

As d increases, β decreases and fringes disappear. (2024)

2𝜆
22. Angular width 2𝜙 =
𝑑

Given

𝜆 = 6000Å

In case of new 𝜆 (assumed 𝜆 ' here), angular width decreases by 30%

New angular width = 0.70(2𝜙)

2𝜙 ′
𝑑
2𝜆
∴ 0.70 × �
�
𝑑
∴ 𝜆′ = 4200Å

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23. Here 𝐷 = 1 m, 𝑑 = 10−3 m, 𝜆 = 500 nm
The fringe width in Young's double slit
𝐷 500×10−9 ×1
experiment, 𝛽 = 𝜆 =
𝑑 10−3

= 500 × 10−6
= 5 × 10−4 m = 0.5 mm
24. (A) When the screen is moved away, ' 𝐷 ' increase, therefore, the width of the fringes increases.
(B) The fringe pattern becomes weaker and less distinct as the width of the source increases. When
the source slit is too wide, the interference pattern disappears.

(C) Because the phase difference between the light waves from two slits is unexpected after shifting
to 𝜋, the core fringe will turn black.

25. (A)
D
𝑥 = 𝑛𝜆
𝑑
2 × 600 × 10−9 N
𝑥=
0.6 × 10−3
𝑥 = 2000 × 10−6
𝑥 = 2 × 10−3 m = 2 mm

(B) We consider that 𝑛th bright fringe of 𝜆 and (𝑛 − 1)th bright fringe of wavelength 𝜆1 Coincide
with each other,

𝑛𝜆2 = (𝑛 − 1)𝜆1
480𝑛 = (𝑛 − 1)600
480𝑛 = 600𝑛 − 600
600 = 120𝑛
600
𝑛=
120
𝑛=5
The least distance from the central maxima,

5 × 480 × 10−9 × 1
=
0.6 × 10−3
= 4000 × 10−6
= 4 × 10−3 m = 4 mm
26. (A) Coherent sources have a constant phase difference. This ensures that the position of maxima and
minima do not change with time i.e., a sustained interference pattern is obtained.
(B) This happens because, the intensity of central maximum is due to wavelets from all parts of the
slit. First secondary maxima is formed due wavelets from one third parts of the slit and second

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 secondary maxima is due to wavelets from one fifth part of the slit and so on. This is the reason why
intensity of secondary maxima becomes less as compared to central maxima.
𝐷𝜆
(C) Since, 𝛽 =
𝑑

𝐷
� �𝜆 1 𝐷𝜆 1
𝛽 = 2
′
= = 𝛽
10𝑑 20 𝑑 20
27. Fringe width of any wavelength in young's double slit experiment is given by:
D𝜆
𝛽=
𝑑
𝐷 ⇒ distance between slits and screen

𝜆 ⇒ wavelength of light

𝑑 ⇒ distance between the slits.

Hence,
D𝜆
Fringe width of 600 nm = 𝛽600 =
𝑑

0.60 × 600 × 10−9

=
1.0 × 10−3
= 3.6 × 10−4 m
𝛽600 = 0.36 mm
D𝜆
Fringe width of 500 nm = 𝛽500 =
𝑑

0.6 × 500 × 10−9

=
1.0 × 10−3
𝛽500 = 0.30 mm

(A) Position of second bright fringe of 500 nm ⇒ 𝑦2 = 2𝛽500

Position of central maximum ⇒ 𝑦1 = 0

⇒ Distance between second bright

fringe and central maximum for 𝜆 = 500 nm

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 = 𝜆2 − 𝜆1
= 2𝛽500
= 0.6 mm
= 6 × 10−4 m

(B) Position of 𝑚th bright fringe from central maxima for 𝜆 = 500 nm is 𝑚𝛽500 Position of 𝑛th
bright fringe from central maxima for 𝜆 = 600 nm is 𝑛𝛽600 If this position is same for both

𝑚𝛽500 = 𝑛𝛽600
𝑚 × 0.30 = 𝑛 × 0.36
5𝑚 = 6𝑛
𝑚 6
=
𝑛 5
For smallest distance 𝑚 = 6𝑛 = 5

Distance = 𝑚𝛽500 = 𝑛𝛽600 = 6 × 0.3 mm

= 5 × 0.36 mm
= 1.8 mm
Thus the least distance is 1.8 mm or 1.8 × 10−3 m

28. When light waves from two illuminated slits collide on the screen, each light wave takes a different
path. The phase difference between the two light waves is caused by the path difference. Because the
route difference varies for each place on the screen, the intensity varies as well. As a result, bright
and dark fringes appear on the screen.
Consider point P on the screen as shown in the figure.
𝑆2 𝑃2 = 𝑆2 𝐹 2 + 𝑃𝐹 2

𝑑 2
� 2
𝑆2 𝑃 = 𝐷 + �𝑥 + �
2

Similarly,

𝑑 2
� 2
𝑆1 𝑃 = 𝐷 + �𝑥 − �
2

Path difference is given by:

𝑑 2 𝑑 2
� 2 � 2
𝑆2 𝑃 − 𝑆1 𝑃 = 𝐷 + �𝑥 + � − 𝐷 + �𝑥 − �
2 2

Using binomial expansion,

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 1 𝑥 𝑑 2
𝑆2 𝑃 − 𝑆1 𝑃 = 𝐷 �1 + � + � + ⋯ … . .
2 𝐷 2𝐷
1 𝑥 𝑑 2
−𝐷 �1 + � − � + ⋯ … . .
2 𝐷 2𝐷

Ignoring higher order terms,

𝑥𝑑
Δ𝑥 = 𝑆2 𝑃 − 𝑆1 𝑃 ≈
𝐷
For constructive interference i.e., bright fringes,

𝑥𝑑
𝑛𝜆 =
𝐷
𝑛𝜆𝐷
𝑥𝑛 =
𝑑
Fringe width is equal to the distance between two consecutive maxima.

𝛽 = 𝑥𝑛 − 𝑥𝑛−1
𝑛𝜆𝐷 (𝑛 − 1)𝜆𝐷
= −
𝑑 𝑑
𝜆𝐷
𝛽=
𝑑
29. The number and spacing of the fringes in the pattern can be used to distinguish between patterns
created by single and double slits. A single slit creates a pattern with multiple evenly spaced bright
and dark fringes, whereas a double slit creates a pattern with multiple evenly spaced bright and dark
fringes.
We can start with the basic equation for the intensity of light diffracted by a single slit to get the
formula for the angular position of bright and dark fringes in a single-slit diffraction pattern:

sin(𝛼) 2 sin(𝑁𝛽) 2
𝐼(𝜃) = 𝐼0 � � � �
𝛼 sin(𝛽)

where,

𝜃 is the angle between the incident light and the diffracted light.
𝜋𝑎sin 𝜃
𝛼= is the phase difference between the light waves passing through the edges of the slit.
𝜆

𝑎 is the width of the slit.

𝜆 is the wavelength of the light.

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 𝜋𝑏sin 𝜃
𝛽= is the phase difference between the light waves diffracted by the edges of the slit, and 𝑁
𝜆
is the number of bright fringes.

For the case of bright fringes, 𝛼 = 𝑛𝜋, where 𝑛 is an integer.

𝑛𝜆 𝑛𝜆
This means that sin 𝜃 = , the 𝑛th bright fringe as 𝑎𝑛 = sin−1 � �
𝑎 𝑎

1
For the case of dark fringes, 𝛼 = �𝑛 + � 𝜋, which gives is
2

1 𝜆
sin 𝜃 = �𝑛 + �
2 𝑎
1 𝜆
𝜃𝑛 = sin−1 ��𝑛 + � �
2 𝛼

These equations give us the angular positions or the bright and dark fringes in a single slit diffraction
pattern.
1
30. Path difference, Δ𝑥 = 𝑆𝑋 − 𝑆 ′ 𝑋 = 4.5 cm for minimum, Δ𝑥 = �𝑛 − � 𝜆
2

As

𝑛=2

3𝜆
4.5 =
2
∴ 𝜆 = 3 cm
31. Let the width of each silt be 𝑎
The position of mth maxima in a double slit experiment = 𝑦𝑚

𝜆𝐷
𝑦𝑚 = 𝑚
𝑑
D = Distance between screen and slit

𝑑 = Separation between slits.

Angular separation between maxima = 𝜃𝑚

𝜆𝑚 𝑚𝜆
𝜃𝑚 = =
𝐷 𝑑
The angular width of central maximum is the diffraction pattern due to single slit = 𝜃1

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 𝜆
2𝜃1 = 2
𝑎
𝑎 = width of single slit

Equating and,

𝑛𝜆 2𝜆
=
𝑑 𝑎
2𝑑
𝑎=
𝑛
32. Graph showing the intensity distribution of fringes due to diffraction at single slit.

33. Given,
5𝜆
Path difference Δ𝑥 =
2

𝜆
For 𝑛th dark fring Δ𝑥 = (2𝑛 − 1)
2

On comparing equal (i) and (ii)

⇒2𝑛 − 1 =5
⇒𝑛 =3
2𝜆
34. When one slit is closed then diffraction pattern will be obtained with angular size of .
𝑑

2𝜆
Angular size, 𝜙 = � �
𝑑

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 Where,

𝜆 = wavelength
𝑑 = Size of slit
35. Conditions for:
(A) Constructive interference: Path difference Δ𝑥 must be an integral multiple of the wavelength of
light.

i.e., Δ𝑥 = 𝑛𝜆,

where 𝑛 = 0, ±1, ±2 ….

(B) Destructive interference : Path difference Δ𝑥 must be an odd multiple of half of the wavelength of
light.

𝜆
i.e., Δ𝑥 = (2𝑛 − 1)
2
where 𝑛 = 0, ±1, ±2 …
𝐷𝜆
36. As we know, width of the central diffraction band is given by 2
𝑑

where 𝑑 is the width of the slit.

(A) So when we increase the width of the slit, the size of the central diffraction band reduces.

(B) But, the light amplitude increases, which increase the intensity.

37. Difference between interference and diffraction phenomena:

Interference
(1) The phenomenon of light interference is the redistribution of light energy in a medium caused by
the superposition of light waves from two coherent sources.

(2)All bright fringes Intensity of succeshave equal intensity.

(3) All dark fringes Intensity of dark have zero intensi- fringes is not zero. ty.

(4) Fringes obtained Fringes obtained through interfer- through diffraction of ence of monochro-
monochromatic light matic light have do not have equal equal width. width.

In Young's double-slit experiment, intensity at a point of the interference pattern: Consider the
diagram below, where 𝑆 represents a monochromatic light source. Furthermore, A and B are two tiny
slits that provide two coherent sources of light 𝑃 is any position on the screen.

sive bright fringes decreases.

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Let the displacement of the waves be represented by

𝑦1 = 𝑎sin 𝜔𝑡
𝑦2 = 𝑏sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙)

where 𝑎 and 𝑏 are amplitudes of two waves and 𝜙 is the phase difference. According to the principle
of superposition, the resultant displacement is equal to the vector sum of the displacement of
individual waves. Therefore.
𝑦 = 𝑦1 + 𝑦2
= 𝑎sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝑏)sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙)

Using the trigonometric identity

sin(𝑎 + 𝑏) = sin 𝑎cos 𝑏 − cos 𝑎sin 𝑏, we get

𝑦 = 𝑎sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝐵sin 𝜔𝑡cos 𝜙

+𝑏sin 𝜙cos 𝜔𝑡
= sin 𝜔𝑡(𝑎 + 𝑏cos 𝜙) + 𝑏sin 𝜙cos 𝜔𝑡

Substituting
𝑎 + 𝑏cos 𝜙 = 𝑅cos 𝜃
and
𝑏sin 𝜙 = 𝑅sin 𝜃

Therefore,

𝑦 =sin 𝜔𝑡𝑅cos 𝜃
+ cos 𝜔𝑡𝑅sin 𝜃
=𝑅(sin 𝜔𝑡𝑅cos 𝜃
+ cos 𝜔𝑡sin 𝜃)
=𝑅sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜃)

Thus, the resultant wave has amplitude 𝑅 and phase angle 𝜃. Now, squaring eqs. (i) and (ii) and
adding, we get.

R2 cos2 𝜃 + R2 sin2 𝜃 = (𝑎 + 𝑏cos 𝜙)2 + (𝑏sin 𝜙)2

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 ⇒ R2 (cos2 𝜃 + sin2 𝜃)

= 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 cos 2 𝜙 + 2𝑎𝑏cos 𝜙

+𝑏 2 sin2 𝜙

⇒ R2 = 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 + 2𝑎𝑏cos 𝜙

(as cos 2 𝜃 + sin2 𝑎 = 1)

We know that the intensity in directly proportional to the square of amplitude of wave. Therefore.

I ∝ R2
I ∝ (𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 + 2𝑎𝑏cos 𝜙)

Also

𝑎2 ∝ 𝐼1
𝑏 2 ∝ 𝐼2

Therefore, the intensity of light at a point of interference in

𝐼 = 𝐼1 + 𝐼2 + 2�𝐼2 𝐼2 cos 𝜙

38. (A) The resultant intensity in Young's experiment is given by,

𝐼𝑅 = 𝐼1 + 𝐼2 + 2�𝐼1 𝐼2 cos 𝜙

When slit is not covered, then 𝐼0 is the intensity from each slit.

Maximum intensity �𝐼max � occurs when 𝜙 = 0∘ . Minimum intensity �𝐼min � occurs when (𝜙) =
180∘ . If one slit is covered with glass to reduce its intensity by 50%, then,

𝐼0 𝐼0
𝐼max = 𝐼0 + + 2�𝐼0 × cos 0∘
2 2
= 1.5𝐼0 + 2 × 0.707𝐼0 = 2.914𝐼0
𝐼0 𝐼0
𝐼min = 𝐼0 + + 2�𝐼0 × cos 180∘
2 2
= 1.5𝐼0 − 2 × 0.707𝐼0 = 0.086𝐼0

𝐼max 2.914𝐼0
Ratio = = = 33.884 ≃ 34
𝐼min 0.086𝐼0

(B) If instead of monochromatic light, white light is used, then the central fringe will be white and the
fringes on either side will be coloured. Blue colour will be nearer to the central fringe and red will be

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 farther away. The path difference at the centre on perpendicular bisector of slits will be zero for all
colours and each colour produces a bright fringe thus resulting in white fringe. Further, the shortest
visible wave, blue, produces a bright fringe first.

39. Interference Pattern

Diffraction Pattern

Differences:
(i) Interference fringes are of same intensity whereas diffraction fringe are of different intensity.

(ii) Fringe width is of the same size in interference where as it is not so in diffraction.

40. (A) Fringe width in double slit experiment

DA
=𝛽=
𝑑
The angular width of fringe

𝛽 𝜆
== = 0.1∘
𝐷 𝑑
𝜆
⇒ 𝑑=
11
0.1 ×
180
= 3.44 × 10−4 m
(B) Frequency of light remains the same in reflected as well as refracted wave.

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 farther away. The path difference at the centre on perpendicular bisector of slits will be zero for all
colours and each colour produces a bright fringe thus resulting in white fringe. Further, the shortest
visible wave, blue, produces a bright fringe first.

39. Interference Pattern

Diffraction Pattern

Differences:
(i) Interference fringes are of same intensity whereas diffraction fringe are of different intensity.

(ii) Fringe width is of the same size in interference where as it is not so in diffraction.

40. (A) Fringe width in double slit experiment

DA
=𝛽=
𝑑
The angular width of fringe

𝛽 𝜆
== = 0.1∘
𝐷 𝑑
𝜆
⇒ 𝑑=
11
0.1 ×
180
= 3.44 × 10−4 m
(B) Frequency of light remains the same in reflected as well as refracted wave.

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 𝑐 3×108
Thus the frequency 𝑣 = =
𝜆 5000×10−10

= 6 × 1014 Hz

Wavelength remains the same in reflected wave, but decreases in the water (refracted wave) since the
refractive index of water in larger than that of are

𝜆ar 5000Å
𝜆water = = = 3750Å
𝜇 4/3

41. The phase difference between light waves emanating from two separate monochromatic sources will
not be constant. As a result, these sources will not be coherent and will not form a continuous
interference pattern.
𝑤1 𝑙1 𝑎2 4
42. (A) = = =
𝑤2 𝑙2 𝑏2 1

𝑎 2
=
𝑏 1
⇒ 𝑎 = 2, 𝑏 = 1
For maximum, intensity = 𝑘(𝑎 + 𝑏)2
= 𝑘(2 + 1)2 = 9𝑘
For minimum intensity = 𝑘(𝑎 − 𝑏)2
= 𝑘(2 − 1)2 = 𝑘

∴ Required ratio = 9: 1.

(B) The production of bright and dark fringes does not violate the law of conservation of energy since
energy is only moved to constructive interference points from destructive interference points, but
total energy remains constant.

43. The overlapping of the contributions of wavelets from two halves of a single slit creates a minimum
𝜆
in the first case because matching wavelets from two halves having a path difference of .
2

The overlapping of the wavefronts from the two slits produces the initial maximum in the second
case because these wavefronts have 𝜆 path differences.

44. (A) Phenomenon of interference can't be observed by illuminating two pin holes with two sodium
lamps because these sources are not coherent source (it means they are not in same phase).
(B) Consider two monochromatic coherent sources 𝐴 and 𝐵 with waves 𝑦1 = 𝑎cos 𝜔𝑡 and 𝑦2 =
𝑎cos(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙) respectively.

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From principle of superposition,
𝑦 =𝑦1 + 𝑦2
= 𝑎sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝑏sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙)
= 𝑎sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝑏sin 𝜔𝑡cos 𝜙 + 𝑏cos 𝜔𝑡sin 𝜙
= (𝑎 + 𝑏cos 𝜙)sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝑏sin 𝜙cos 𝜔𝑡
Let,
𝑎 + 𝑏cos 𝜙 = 𝐴cos 𝛿
𝑏 + sin 𝜙 = 𝐴sin 𝛿
𝑦 = 𝐴sin 𝜔𝑡cos 𝛿 + 𝐴cos 𝜔𝑡sin 𝛿
= 𝐴sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝛿)
𝐴 = �𝑎2 + 𝑎2 + 2𝑎𝑏cos 𝜙
𝑏sin 𝜙
tan 𝛿 =
𝑎 + 𝑏cos 𝜙

(i) Constructive interference;

For maxima

1 ∝ 𝐴2

and for 𝐴 to be maximum,

cos 𝜙 = 1

cos 𝜙 = cos 2𝑛𝜋, 𝑛 = 0,1,2, …

𝜙 = 2𝑛𝜋

and path difference,

Δ𝑥 = 𝑛𝜆
𝐴max = 𝑎 + 𝑏
𝐼 → 𝐼max = 𝑘(𝑎 + 𝑏)2

(ii) Destructive Interference

For minima

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 cos 𝜙 = −1
Δ𝜙 = (2𝑛 − 1)

Path difference,

𝜆
Δ𝑥 = (2𝑛 + 1)
2
𝐴min = 𝑎 − 𝑏
𝐼 → 𝐼min = 𝑘(𝑎 − 𝑏)2

1 𝜆
(C) 𝜃 = �𝑛 + �
2 𝑎

𝑎 = 2 × 10−6 (aperture of slit)

𝜆 590 × 10−9 590

𝜃1 = = −6
= × 10−3
2𝑎 4 × 10 4
= 147.5 × 10−3

𝜆′ 596 × 10−9
𝜃2 = = = 149 × 10−3
2𝑎 4 × 10−6
𝜃2 − 𝜃1 = 1.5 × 10−3 (Angular difference)

𝜆1 = 596 nm, 𝜆2 = 590 nm

𝑎 = 2 × 10−6

𝐷 = 1.5 m

3𝜆𝐷
𝑦=
2𝑎
3𝐷
𝑦1 − 𝑦2 = (𝜆 − 𝜆2 )
2𝑎 1
3 × 1.5
= (596 − 590) × 10−9 m
2 × 2 × 10−6
4.5
= × 6 × 10−9 m
4 × 10−6

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 4.5 × 6
= × 10−3 m
4
= 6.78 m

45. Conditions of Constructive and Destructive Interface:

Suppose two coherent wave travel in the same direction along a straight line, the frequency of each
𝜔
wave is and amplitudes of electric field are 𝑎1 and 𝑎2 respectively. If at any time 𝑡, the electric
2𝑛
fields of waves at a point are 𝑦1 and 𝑦2 respectively and phase difference is 𝜙, then equation of
waves may be expressed as

𝑦1 = 𝑎1 sin 𝜔𝑡
𝑦2 = 𝑎2 sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙)

According to Young's principle of superposition, the resultant displacement at that point will be

𝑦 = 𝑦1 + 𝑦2

Substituting value of 𝑦1 and 𝑦2 from (i) and (ii) in (iii), we get

𝑦 = 𝑎1 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝑎2 sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙)

Using trigonometric relation

sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙) = sin 𝜔𝑡cos 𝜙

+cos 𝜔𝑡sin 𝜙

we get 𝑦 = 𝑎1 sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝜙
𝑎2 (sin 𝜔𝑡cos 𝜙 + cos 𝜔𝑡cos 𝜙)
= (𝑎1 + 𝑎2 cos 𝜙)sin 𝜔𝑡
+(𝑎2 sin 𝜙)cos 𝜔𝑡 … (iv)
Let 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 cos 𝜙 = Acos 𝜙
𝑦 = 𝐴cos 𝜃sin 𝜔𝑡 + 𝐴sin 𝜃
cos 𝜔𝑡 = 𝐴sin(𝜔𝑡 + 𝜃)

This is the equation of the resultant disturbance. Clearly the amplitude of resultant disturbance is 𝐴
and phase difference from first wave is 𝜃. The values of 𝐴 and 𝜃 are determined by (v) and (vi).
Squaring (v) and (vi) and then adding, we get.

(𝑎1 + 𝑎2 cos 𝜙)2 +(𝑎2 sin 𝜙)2

= A2 cos2 𝜃 + A2 sin2 𝜃
2 2 2
or 𝑎1 + 𝑎2 cos 𝜙 +2𝑎1 𝑎2 cos 𝜙 +
𝑎22 sin2 𝜙 = 𝐴2 (cos 2 𝜃 + sin2 𝜃)

As cos2 𝜃 + sin2 𝜃 = 1, we get

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 A2 = 𝑎12 + 𝑎22 + 2𝑎1

(cos 2 𝜙 + sin2 𝜙) + 2𝑎1 𝑎2 cos 𝜙

or

A2 = 𝑎12 + 𝑎22 + 2𝑎1 𝑎2 cos 𝜙

Amplitude, A = �𝑎12 + 𝑎22 + 2𝑎1 𝑎2 cos 𝜙

As the intensity of a wave is proportional to its amplitude in arbitrary units 𝐼 = 𝐴2

∴ Intensity of resultant wave

I = A2 = 𝑎12 + 𝑎22 + 2𝑎1 𝑎2 cos 𝜙

Clearly the intensity of resultant wave at any point depends on the amplitudes of individual waves
and the phase difference between the waves at the point.

Constructive Interference: For maximum intensity at any point cos 𝜙 = +1

Or phase difference, 𝜙 = 0,2𝜋, 4𝜋, 6𝜋

= 2𝑛𝜋(𝑛 = 0,1,2, … … . . )

The maximum intensity,

Imax = 𝑎12 + 𝑎22 + 2𝑎1 𝑎2

= (𝑎1 + 𝑎2 )2
𝜆
Path difference Δ = × Phase difference
2𝜋

𝜆
= × 2𝑛𝜋 = 𝑛𝜆
2𝜋
Clearly the maximum intensity is obtained in the region of superposition at those points where waves
meet in the same phase or phase difference between the waves in even multiple of not path difference
between them is the integral multiple of 𝜆 and maximum intensity is (𝑎1 + 𝑎2 )2 which is greater than
the sum intensities of individual waves by an amount 2𝑎1 𝑎2 .

Destructive Interference: For minimum in tensity at any point cos 𝜙 = −1.

or phase difference,

𝜙 = 𝜋, 3𝜋, 5𝜋, 7𝜋 … …
= (2𝑛 − 1)𝜋, 𝑛 = 1,2,3,

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 In this case the minimum intensity,

Path difference,

𝐼min = 𝑎12 + 𝑎22 − 2𝑎1 𝑎2

= (𝑎1 − 𝑎2 )2

𝜆
Δ= × Phase difference
2𝜋
𝜆
= × (2𝑛 − 1)𝜋
2𝜋
𝜆
= (2𝑛 − 1)
2
Clearly, the minimum intensity is obtained in the region of superposition at those points where waves
meet in opposite phase or the phase difference between the waves is odd multiple of 𝑛 or path
𝜆
difference between the waves is odd multiple of and minimum intensity (𝑎1 − 𝑎2 )2 which is less
2
the sum of intensities of the individual waves by an amount 2𝑎1 𝑎2 .

From equations (vii) and (viii) it is clear that intensity 2𝑎1 𝑎2 is transferred from positions of minima
to maxima. This implies that the interference is based on conservation of energy.

Variation of intensity of light with position x is shown in fig.

46. It the width of the slits are 𝐴1 and 𝐴2 the amplitude will also be 𝐴1 and 𝐴2 . The maximum amplitude,
𝐴′ will happen when constructive interference happens.
𝐴′ = (𝐴1 + 𝐴2 )

The minimum amplitude, A will happen when destructive interference happens.

𝐴 = (𝐴1 − 𝐴2 )

We know that intensity is proportional to the square of amplitude.

𝐼1 𝐴′2 (𝐴1 + 𝐴2 )2
= =
𝐼2 𝐴2 (𝐴1 − 𝐴2 )2
9 𝐴1 + 𝐴2 2
=� �
25 𝐴1 − 𝐴2

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 9 𝐴1 + 𝐴2
� =
25 𝐴1 − 𝐴2

𝐴1 + 𝐴2 3
=
𝐴1 − 𝐴2 5

𝐴1 5 + 3 8
= =
𝐴2 5 − 3 2

𝐴1 : 𝐴2 = 4: 1
47.
(2n−1)λD
X4 = 2d

(2×4−1)×600×10−9 ×1.5
X4 = 2×0.3×10−3

= 1.05 × 10−2 m
(2024)

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