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Exam
NEET
Subject
Physics
Chapter
Wave Optics

NEET · Physics · Wave Optics

In a modified Young's double slit experiment, the two coherent...

In a modified Young's double slit experiment, the two coherent sources illuminating the slits are maintained at an initial phase difference of π\pi. What type of fringe will be observed at the geometric center of the screen?

Options

  1. AA completely dark fringe (minimum)
  2. BA central bright fringe (maximum)
  3. CA bright fringe of half the maximum intensity
  4. DUniform illumination with no distinct fringes

Correct answer

A. A completely dark fringe (minimum)

Step-by-step solution

The total phase difference Δϕ\Delta \phi at any point on the screen is the sum of the initial phase difference between the sources and the phase difference due to the path difference.

Δϕ=Δϕinitial+2πλΔx\Delta \phi = \Delta \phi_{\text{initial}} + \dfrac{2\pi}{\lambda} \Delta x

At the geometric center of the screen, the path difference from the two slits is zero (Δx=0\Delta x = 0).

Given that the initial phase difference Δϕinitial=π\Delta \phi_{\text{initial}} = \pi, the total phase difference at the center is:

Δϕ=π+0=π\Delta \phi = \pi + 0 = \pi

A phase difference of an odd multiple of π\pi results in destructive interference. Therefore, a completely dark fringe (minimum) will be formed at the geometric center instead of the usual central bright fringe.

Answer: A completely dark fringe (minimum)
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