When is the wave interference strong?a)When the paths taken by all of ...
Interference of Waves and Coherence Length
Interference is a phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves superpose and combine to form a resultant wave. The interference can be either constructive or destructive, depending on the phase difference between the waves. The coherence length is a property of the waves that determines the degree of interference.
Coherence Length
Coherence length refers to the distance over which a wave maintains a constant phase relationship. It is a measure of how long a wave remains coherent or in sync. Waves with a longer coherence length have a greater ability to interfere constructively.
Paths of Interfering Waves
When considering interference, it is essential to examine the paths taken by the interfering waves. The path difference between the waves determines the phase difference and, consequently, the interference pattern. In the case of wave interference, the paths taken by all interfering waves play a crucial role.
Explanation of Options
a) When the paths taken by all of the interfering waves are greater than the coherence length:
- In this scenario, the waves have traveled a significant distance, resulting in a large path difference.
- The phase difference between the waves may vary significantly, leading to destructive interference rather than strong interference.
- Therefore, option 'a' is not the correct answer.
b) When the paths taken by all of the interfering waves are lesser than the coherence length:
- When the paths taken by the interfering waves are shorter than the coherence length, the waves maintain a constant phase relationship.
- The waves interfere constructively, resulting in strong interference.
- This option is correct because a shorter path difference allows for a more significant overlap of the waves, enhancing constructive interference.
c) When the paths taken by all of the interfering waves are equal to the coherence length:
- When the paths are exactly equal to the coherence length, the waves may or may not interfere constructively.
- The phase difference between the waves is highly dependent on the specific conditions.
- Therefore, option 'c' cannot be considered the correct answer.
d) When the paths taken by all of the interfering waves are independent of the coherence length:
- If the paths are independent of the coherence length, it means that the waves have not traveled a distance related to the coherence length.
- The interference pattern may be influenced by other factors, but it is not directly related to the coherence length.
- Hence, option 'd' is not the correct answer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct answer is option 'b' - when the paths taken by all of the interfering waves are lesser than the coherence length. This ensures that the waves maintain a constant phase relationship and can interfere constructively, resulting in strong interference.
When is the wave interference strong?a)When the paths taken by all of ...
Coherence length is defined as the propagation distance over which a coherent wave maintains a specified degree of coherence. Wave interference is strong when the paths taken by all of the interfering waves are lesser than the coherence length.