Physics: Principles with Applications (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32162-592-7
ISBN 13: 978-0-32162-592-2

Chapter 24 - The Wave Nature of Light - Questions - Page 705: 4

Answer

For destructive interference, the path lengths differ by an odd number of half wavelengths: $\frac{\lambda}{2}$, $\frac{3 \lambda}{2}$, $\frac{5 \lambda}{2}$, etc.

Work Step by Step

In these cases, wave crests from one wave interfere with wave troughs from the other wave, causing destructive interference.
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