Can coherent waves have different amplitudes?

Open in App

Solution

Explanation:
Waves in phase and with the same frequency, but with different amplitudes. Technically these waves are coherent, but there will be no complete constructive interference where they meet, so they will contribute poorly to an interference pattern.
Two waves can add together to create a wave of greater amplitude than either one (constructive interference) or subtract from each other to create a wave of lesser amplitude than either one (destructive interference), depending on their relative phase.
If we consider light as an oscillating wave of energy then we can represent it on paper in the following way. In the diagram below there are two waves both of them has same wavelength but with different amplitudes.
4. Since the property of coherence has nothing to do with the amplitude of the waves. The property of coherence entirely depends on the phase difference.
Hence, two coherent waves can have different amplitudes.

Suggest Corrections

Similar questions

Q. Three coherent waves having amplitude 12,6,4 mm arrive at a given point with successive phase difference pie/ 2 then the amplitude of resultant wave is?

Q. Three coherent waves having amplitudes 12 mm, 6 mm and 4 mm arrive at a given point with successive phase difference of

\frac{π}{2}

. Then the amplitude of the resultant wave is:

In young’s double slit interference experiment, using two coherent waves of different amplitudes, the intensities ratio between bright and dark fringes is 3. Then, the value of the ratio of the amplitudes of the wave that arrive there is:

Q. In young double slit interference experiment using two coherent waves of different amplitudes, the intensity ratio between bright and dark fringes is

3

. Then the value of the ratio of the amplitude of the waves that arrive there is:

Q. Two coherent sources can produce a resultant wave of -

Amplitude, angular frequency, wave number and phase of the two waves remain constant.

Join BYJU'S Learning Program