Two beams of coherent light travel different paths arriving at point P. If the maximum destructive interference is to occur at point P, what should be the phase difference between the two waves?
A) The phase difference between the two waves is π/4.
B) The phase difference between the two waves is π/2.
C) The phase difference between the two waves is π.
D) The phase difference between the two waves is 2π.
E) The two waves are in phase.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For destructive interference to occur, the phase difference between the two waves must be an odd multiple of π (π, 3π, 5π, etc.), as this results in the waves being exactly out of phase with each other. Therefore, the correct choice is C, π.

Two Beams of Coherent Light Travel Different Paths Arriving at Point