Concepts Of Physics MCQ Edition [Volume 1]PhysicsLight Waves
Two sources are considered coherent if the waves they produce
Options
- Ahave equal wavelengths
- Bhave equal velocities
- Cshare the same wavefront shape
- Dmaintain a constant phase difference
Correct answer
D. maintain a constant phase difference
Step-by-step solution
Two sources are defined as coherent if the waves emitted by them have the same frequency and maintain a constant phase difference with respect to each other over time. If the phase difference changes randomly with time, the sources are incoherent and cannot produce a stable interference pattern. Thus, maintaining a constant phase difference is the essential condition for coherence.