COMEDK · Physics · 26. Wave Optics

In Young's double slit experiment, the ratio of intensities of light from one slit to the other is \(9: 1\). If Im is the maximum intensity, what is the resultant intensity when they interfere at phase difference \(\phi\) ?

A \(\dfrac{\operatorname{Im}}{9}\left[1+8 \cos ^2\left(\dfrac{\phi}{2}\right)\right]\)
B \(\dfrac{\operatorname{Im}}{4}\left[1+3 \cos ^2\left(\dfrac{\phi}{2}\right)\right]\)
C \(\dfrac{\operatorname{Im}}{4}\left[1+8 \cos ^2\left(\dfrac{\phi}{2}\right)\right]\)
D \(\dfrac{\operatorname{Im}}{2}\left[4+12 \cos ^2\left(\dfrac{\phi}{2}\right)\right]\)

Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(B) \(\dfrac{\operatorname{Im}}{4}\left[1+3 \cos ^2\left(\dfrac{\phi}{2}\right)\right]\)

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

Let the intensities of the two slits be \(I_1\) and \(I_2\). Given the ratio \(I_1 : I_2 = 9 : 1\), we can write \(I_1 = 9k\) and \(I_2 = k\) for some constant \(k\). The maximum intensity \(I_m\) is given by…

Apply the relevant identity from the chapter and substitute the values established in the previous step, keeping the original constraint in view.

Use the simplified expression to isolate the unknown, then plug the result back into the question setup to confirm the working is internally consistent.

Cross-check against a boundary or limiting case. Both the dimensional balance and the qualitative behaviour at the extreme should agree with the candidate answer.

Combine the steps above to identify the correct option. The remaining choices each fail at least one of the consistency, dimensional, or boundary checks.

Same subject

Explore more questions on app

From COMEDK

Explore more questions on app