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MHT CET 202623 AprilMorning Shift
Exam
MHT CET
Year
2026
Date
23 April
Shift
Morning Shift
Subject
Physics
Chapter
Wave Optics

MHT CET 2026 · 23 April · Morning Shift · Physics · Wave Optics

An interference is observed due to two coherent sources, A and B,...

An interference is observed due to two coherent sources, A and B, separated by a distance 4λ4\lambda along the Y-axis, where λ\lambda is the wavelength of the source. A detector D is moved along the positive X-axis. The number of points on the X-axis, excluding x=0x = 0 and x→∞x \to \infty, at which maxima will be observed, is

Options

  1. A33
  2. B44
  3. C55
  4. D66

Correct answer

A. 33

Step-by-step solution

Let source B be at (0,0)(0,0) and source A be at (0,4λ)(0, 4\lambda).

The path difference Δp\Delta p at a point D(x,0)D(x, 0) on the positive X-axis is given by:

Δp=AD−BD=x2+(4λ)2−x\Delta p = AD - BD = \sqrt{x^2 + (4\lambda)^2} - x

Let us check the boundary values of the path difference:
At x=0x = 0, Δp=0+16λ2−0=4λ\Delta p = \sqrt{0 + 16\lambda^2} - 0 = 4\lambda.
As x→∞x \to \infty, Δp=lim⁡x→∞x(1+16λ2x2)1/2−x=0\Delta p = \lim_{x \to \infty} x\left(1 + \dfrac{16\lambda^2}{x^2}\right)^{1/2} - x = 0.

For constructive interference (maxima), the path difference must be an integer multiple of the wavelength:

Δp=nλ\Delta p = n\lambda

Since the points x=0x = 0 and x→∞x \to \infty are explicitly excluded, the path difference must strictly lie in the range:

0<Δp<4λ0 < \Delta p < 4\lambda

Therefore, the possible values for Δp\Delta p are 1λ,2λ,1\lambda, 2\lambda, and 3λ3\lambda.

This corresponds to n=1,2,3n = 1, 2, 3.

Thus, there are exactly 33 points on the positive X-axis where maxima will be observed.

Answer: 33
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