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MHT CET · Physics · Wave Optics

Two identical light waves having phase difference \(\phi\) propagate in same direction. When they superpose, the intensity of resultant wave is proportional to

  1. A \(\cos ^2\left(\frac{\phi}{4}\right)\)
  2. B \(\cos ^2\left(\frac{\phi}{3}\right)\)
  3. C \(\cos ^2\left(\frac{\phi}{2}\right)\)
  4. D \(\cos ^2 \phi\).
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(C) \(\cos ^2\left(\frac{\phi}{2}\right)\)

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

\(A^2=a_1^2+a_i^2+2 a_1 a_2 \cos \phi\), where \(A\) is amplitude of resultant wave and given that, \(a_1=a_2=a\), where, a is amplitude of individual wave.
\(\begin{array}{ll}
\therefore \quad & A^2=2 a^2(1+\cos \phi)=2 a^2\left(1+2 \cos ^2 \frac{\phi}{2}-1\right) \\
& \Rightarrow A^2 \propto \cos ^2 \cdot \frac{\phi}{2}
\end{array}\)
Now, \(I \propto \mathrm{~A}^2\)
\(\therefore \quad I \propto A^2 \propto \cos ^2 \frac{\phi}{2} \Rightarrow I \propto \cos ^2 \frac{\phi}{2}\)