Write the condition of destructive interference in terms of path and phase difference.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) For destructive interference to occur, the waves must arrive at a point in opposite phase.
$1$. Phase difference $(\Delta \phi)$: The phase difference must be an odd multiple of $\pi$. Mathematically, $\Delta \phi = (2n + 1)\pi$, where $n = 0, 1, 2, 3, \dots$.
$2$. Path difference $(\Delta x)$: Since the relation between path difference and phase difference is $\Delta \phi = \frac{2\pi}{\lambda} \Delta x$, we substitute the condition for destructive interference:
$(2n + 1)\pi = \frac{2\pi}{\lambda} \Delta x$
$\Delta x = (2n + 1) \frac{\lambda}{2}$, where $n = 0, 1, 2, 3, \dots$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

If two sources emit light waves of different amplitudes, then in the interference pattern:

Two light waves of intensity $I$ and $4I$ superpose at point $A$ with zero phase difference and at point $B$ with a phase difference of $\frac{\pi}{2}$. Calculate the difference of resultant intensities at point $A$ and $B$. (in $I$)

Difficult
View Solution

"If you illuminate two pinholes using two lamps, the interference pattern will not be observed" - Explain.

The optical path difference between two identical light waves arriving at a point is $31.5 \lambda$,where $\lambda$ is the wavelength of light used. The point is [Given: Two light sources are coherent]

The difference in the number of wavelengths, when yellow light propagates through air and vacuum columns of the same thickness, is $1$. The thickness of the air column is (Refractive index of air $\mu_a = 1.0003$, Wavelength of yellow light in vacuum $\lambda_0 = 6000 \text{ Å}$)

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo