What is the result of interference when two light waves meet?

What is the result of interference when two light waves meet?

• A. They are absorbed
• B. They combine to form a new wave pattern
• C. They travel independently
• D. They reflect off each other

Answer: (B)

When two light waves meet, they can combine to form a new wave pattern through a phenomenon known as interference. This occurs because light waves are representations of electromagnetic waves, which can constructively or destructively interfere with one another depending on their phase relationship when they overlap. Constructive interference happens when the waves are in phase, meaning the crests and troughs align, resulting in a wave with greater amplitude. Conversely, destructive interference occurs when the waves are out of phase, leading to cancellation effects that reduce the overall amplitude. This ability to alter the resultant wave depends on the relative phases and amplitudes of the two original waves. The interference pattern produced can manifest as variations in intensity, often observed in experiences such as the colorful patterns seen in soap bubbles or diffraction gratings. This interaction of waves is fundamental to many optical phenomena and applications such as lasers, holography, and the analysis of light properties. In contrast, the absorption of waves suggests energy is taken up by the medium, which doesn't lead to the creation of a new wave pattern. Independent travel means that while the waves may pass through the same region without interaction—a scenario that doesn't produce new wave effects—reflection involves bouncing off surfaces, which alters the wave direction but doesn't create a new wave

When two light waves meet, they can combine to form a new wave pattern through a phenomenon known as interference. This occurs because light waves are representations of electromagnetic waves, which can constructively or destructively interfere with one another depending on their phase relationship when they overlap.

Constructive interference happens when the waves are in phase, meaning the crests and troughs align, resulting in a wave with greater amplitude. Conversely, destructive interference occurs when the waves are out of phase, leading to cancellation effects that reduce the overall amplitude. This ability to alter the resultant wave depends on the relative phases and amplitudes of the two original waves.

The interference pattern produced can manifest as variations in intensity, often observed in experiences such as the colorful patterns seen in soap bubbles or diffraction gratings. This interaction of waves is fundamental to many optical phenomena and applications such as lasers, holography, and the analysis of light properties.

In contrast, the absorption of waves suggests energy is taken up by the medium, which doesn't lead to the creation of a new wave pattern. Independent travel means that while the waves may pass through the same region without interaction—a scenario that doesn't produce new wave effects—reflection involves bouncing off surfaces, which alters the wave direction but doesn't create a new wave