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MHT CET · Physics · Wave Optics

Two waves having amplitudes in the ratio 5:1 produce interference. The ratio of the maximum to minimum intensity is

  1. A \(6: 4\)
  2. B \(25: 1\)
  3. C \(3: 2\)
  4. D \(9: 4\)
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Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(D) \(9: 4\)

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

Let the amplitudes be \(5 x\) and \(x\) respectively.
The resultant waves will have maximum amplitude when both are in phase
Therefore, amplitudes should add up to \(5 x+x=6 x\)
During destructive interference, the waves are out of phase
Therefore, the resultant amplitude is \(x-5 x=-4 x\)
Maximum intensity \(\propto(\text { maximum amplitude })^2=36 x^2\)
Minimum intensity \(\propto(\text { minimum amplitude })^2=16 x^2\)
The ratio of the maximum to minimum intensity \(=\frac{36}{16}=\frac{9}{4}\)
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