"If you illuminate two pinholes using two lamps, the interference pattern will not be observed" - Explain.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) To observe a stable interference pattern, the two sources of light must be coherent, meaning they must maintain a constant phase difference over time.
When two independent light sources (like two sodium lamps) are used to illuminate two pinholes $S_1$ and $S_2$, the light waves emitted by each lamp undergo abrupt and random phase changes in very short time intervals (on the order of $10^{-9} \text{ s}$).
Because these phase changes are independent and random for each lamp, there is no fixed phase relationship between the light waves emerging from $S_1$ and $S_2$. Consequently, the sources are incoherent.
In the case of incoherent sources, the intensities of the light waves add up rather than interfering constructively and destructively to form a pattern. Therefore, the screen will show a uniform illumination instead of distinct bright and dark interference fringes.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Two monochromatic light beams have intensities in the ratio $1 : 9$. An interference pattern is obtained by these beams. The ratio of the intensities of maximum to minimum is (in $: 1$)

Two identical coherent sources are placed on a diameter of a circle of radius $R$ at a separation $x (x << R)$,symmetrically about the center of the circle. The sources emit waves of identical wavelength $\lambda$. Find the number of points on the circle with maximum intensity,given $x = 5 \lambda$.

Difficult
View Solution

Two point sources $S_1$ and $S_2$ separated by a distance $10 \mu m$ emit light waves of wavelength $4 \mu m$ in phase. $A$ circular wire of radius $40 \mu m$ is placed around the sources as shown in the figure,where $O$ is the centre of the circle and $OS_1 = OS_2$. Determine the nature of the interference at points $A, B, C,$ and $D$.

The optical path difference between two identical light waves arriving at a point is $31.5 \lambda$,where $\lambda$ is the wavelength of light used. The point is [Given: Two light sources are coherent]

What are coherent sources and incoherent sources?

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo