Interference with Unequal Amplitudes – Rankers Physics

Miscellaneous: Practice Problem & Solution

Assertion (A): Two sources of light emit light waves of same frequency but of different amplitudes. Also the phase difference between light waves from the two sources at any point is time independent. Therefore, observable interference will be obtained when light waves from the two sources superimpose. Reason (R): The sources are not coherent due to unequal amplitudes.  
Both (A) & (R) are true and the (R) is the correct explanation of the (A)
Both (A) & (R) are true but the (R) is not the correct explanation of the (A)
(A) is true but (R) is false
Both (A) and (R) are false

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Miscellaneous. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

For observable interference, sources must have a constant phase difference (coherent) and same frequency. Different amplitudes still allow interference, just with non-zero minimum intensity. Coherence is related to phase difference, not amplitude equality. Thus, A is true and R is false.

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