Question
What are coherent sources? Is it possible to observe interference pattern with light from any two different sources? Why?

Answer

Coherent sources : Two sources of light are said to be coherent if the phase difference between the emitted waves remains constant.
It is not possible to observe interference pattern with light from any two different sources. This is because, no observable interference phenomenon occurs by' superposing light from two different sources. This happens due to the fact that different sources emit waves of different frequencies. Even if the two sources emit light of the same frequency, the phase difference between the wave trains from them fluctuates randomly and rapidly, i.e, they are not coherent.
Consequently, the interference pattern will change randomly and rapidly, and steady interference pattern would not be observed.

Need a full question paper?

Generate a complete, print-ready paper with questions like this in minutes — across 16+ boards, with answer keys.

Start Generating Free

Similar questions

Why do grinding wheels have large mass and moderate diameter?
The refractive indices of water and diamond are \(\frac{4}{3}\) and 2.42 respectively. Find the speed of light in water and diamond. \(\left(c=3 \times 10^8 m / s \right)\)
State the expressions for the axial fields of an electric dipole and a small current-loop.
A galvanometer with a coil of resistance $40 \Omega$ gives a full scale deflection for a current of 5 $mA$. How will you convert it into an ammeter of range $0-5 A$ ?
Explain the use of potentiometer to determine internal resistance of a cell.
If the frequency of revolution of a proton $\left( q =1.6 \times 10^{-19} C \right)$ in a uniform magnetic induction is $10^6 \ Hz,$ what is the corresponding electric current?
Define excitation energy, binding energy and ionization energy of an electron in an atom.
A ray of light travelling in air is incident on a glass slab making an angle of $30^{\circ}$ with the surface. Calculate the angle by which the refracted ray in glass is deviated from its original path and the speed of light in glass [Refractive index of glass $=1.5$ ].
Determine the change in wavelength of light during its passage from air to glass. If the refractive index of glass with respect to air is 1.5 and the frequency of light is \(3.5 \times 10^{14} Hz\), find the wave number of light in glass. [Velocity of light in air, \(c=3 \times 10^8 m / s\) ]
For proton acceleration, a cyclotron is used in which a magnetic field of $1.4 Wb / m ^2$ is applied. Find the time period for reversing the electric field between the two Ds.