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PHY 104 PHY 104 Past Questions Objective Question
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Question

One beam of coherent light travels path P₁ in arriving at point Q and another coherent beam travels path P₂ in arriving at the same point. If these two beams are to interfere destructively, the path difference P₁ - P₂ must be equal to
Options
A an odd number of half-wavelengths.
Correct Answer
B zero.
C a whole number of wavelengths.
D a whole number of half-wavelengths.
Correct Answer

Option A is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

For destructive interference, the path difference must be an odd multiple of half-wavelengths: Δx = (2n+1)λ/2. This leads to crest meeting trough.

Hint

Destructive interference occurs when the phase difference is an odd multiple of π (180°).

Question Info

Course: PHY 104
Topic: PHY 104 Past Questions
Type: Objective
Difficulty: Not specified
Question 805 of 947
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