In an interference experiment monochromatic light is replaced by white...
Therefore if monochromatic light in Young's interference experiment is replaced by white light, then the waves of each wavelength form their separate interference patterns. The resultant effect of all these patterns is obtained on the screen. i.e., the waves of all colours reach at mid point M in same phase we will see.a few coloured bands and then uniform illumination
In an interference experiment monochromatic light is replaced by white...
**Interference Experiment with Monochromatic Light**
In an interference experiment with monochromatic light, a coherent beam of light of a single wavelength is used. This results in a well-defined pattern of alternating bright and dark fringes on the screen. The interference occurs due to the superposition of two or more waves that are in phase or out of phase.
**Interference Experiment with White Light**
When white light is used instead of monochromatic light in an interference experiment, several wavelengths of light are present simultaneously. Each wavelength produces its own set of interference fringes. As a result, we observe a few colored bands and then uniform illumination.
**Explanation**
When white light is incident on a double-slit or thin film, it gets split into multiple wavelengths or colors due to dispersion. Each wavelength then creates its own interference pattern. The constructive and destructive interference between the different wavelengths leads to the formation of colored fringes.
- Initially, we observe a few colored bands on the screen. These bands correspond to the wavelengths of light that constructively interfere with each other at specific angles.
- As we move away from the central maximum, the path difference between the interfering waves increases. This leads to a decrease in the intensity of the fringes.
- Beyond a certain point, the path difference becomes large enough that the interference between different wavelengths becomes random and no longer produces distinct fringes.
- At this point, the intensity of the light becomes uniform, resulting in uniform illumination on the screen.
**Conclusion**
In an interference experiment with white light, the initial observation of colored bands is followed by uniform illumination. This is because the interference between different wavelengths of light gradually becomes random, leading to the disappearance of the distinct interference fringes.