Visible light from an ordinary source such as a sodium lamp can be used to produce interference effects that demonstrate the wave nature of light,provided that
A)the light beam from the single source is split into two (or more)beams that have a constant phase relationship to one another.
B)the light is polarized.
C)the light is not polarized.
D)Interference effects cannot be demonstrated with ordinary light sources.
E)None of these conditions are satisfied.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Interference effects require two or more light waves to interact with each other. In order for this to occur, the light beam must be split into two (or more) beams that have a constant phase relationship, meaning that the crests and troughs of the waves align with each other. This can be achieved by using a beamsplitter or a diffraction grating, for example. Polarization is not necessary for interference effects to occur.

Visible Light from an Ordinary Source Such as a Sodium