Superposition, interference and path difference Quiz
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5 questions, one answer each
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1. Two in-phase sources emit waves of wavelength 0.20 m. A point is 1.00 m from one source and 1.30 m from the other. What is observed?
- A. Constructive interference, as the path difference is 0.30 m
- B. Destructive interference, as the path difference is 1.5λ
- C. Constructive interference, as the path difference is 1.5λ
- D. No interference occurs
2. Two waves meet at a point where their displacements are +3 mm and +2 mm. By superposition the resultant displacement is
- A. 1 mm
- B. 6 mm
- C. +5 mm
- D. 0 mm
3. What is the phase difference between two points on a wave separated by half a wavelength?
- A. π rad
- B. π/2 rad
- C. 2π rad
- D. 0
4. Which condition must be met for two sources to be coherent?
- A. They are in phase
- B. They have the same amplitude
- C. They are close together
- D. They have the same frequency and a constant phase difference
5. Points on a wave of wavelength 0.60 m are 0.10 m apart. What is the phase difference?
- A. π/3 rad
- B. π/6 rad
- C. 6π rad
- D. 2π/3 rad