Two coherent light beams of intensity I and 4I are superposed. The max...
To understand why the correct answer is option C, let's consider the concept of interference of light waves and how it affects the resulting intensity.
Interference of Light Waves:
When two coherent light beams superpose, they interfere with each other. Coherence refers to the constant phase relationship between the two waves. Depending on the phase difference between the waves, we can have constructive or destructive interference.
Constructive Interference:
Constructive interference occurs when the peaks of one wave coincide with the peaks of the other wave, resulting in reinforcement and an increase in intensity. In this case, the amplitudes of the waves add up.
Destructive Interference:
Destructive interference occurs when the peaks of one wave coincide with the troughs of the other wave, resulting in cancellation and a decrease in intensity. In this case, the amplitudes of the waves subtract from each other.
Maximum and Minimum Intensities:
In the given scenario, we have two coherent light beams with intensity I and 4I. Let's analyze the possible combinations of constructive and destructive interference and determine the resulting intensities.
Maximum Intensity:
When the two waves are in phase and undergo constructive interference, the resulting intensity is the sum of their individual intensities. Therefore, the maximum possible intensity is I + 4I = 5I.
Minimum Intensity:
When the two waves are completely out of phase and undergo destructive interference, the resulting intensity is the difference between their individual intensities. Therefore, the minimum possible intensity is 4I - I = 3I.
Therefore, the correct answer is option C: 9I and 3I, which represents the maximum and minimum possible intensities in the resulting beam area.
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