Question:medium

The interference pattern is obtained with two coherent light sources of intensity ratio n. In the interference pattern, the ratio $\frac{I_{max} - I_{min}}{I_{max} + I_{min}}$ will be

Updated On: May 25, 2026
  • $\frac{\sqrt{n}}{n + 1}$
  • $\frac{2 \sqrt{n}}{n + 1}$
  • $\frac{\sqrt{n}}{(n + 1)^2}$
  • $\frac{2 \sqrt{n}}{(n + 1)^2}$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To solve this problem, we are dealing with the interference pattern created by two coherent light sources with an intensity ratio \( n \). We need to find the ratio \( \frac{I_{max} - I_{min}}{I_{max} + I_{min}} \), where \( I_{max} \) and \( I_{min} \) represent the maximum and minimum intensities in the interference pattern, respectively.

  1. First, let's recall that the maximum intensity \( I_{max} \) in an interference pattern is given by the constructive interference of two waves, and the formula can be expressed as: I_{max} = (\sqrt{I_1} + \sqrt{I_2})^2 where \( I_1 \) and \( I_2 \) are the intensities of the individual sources.
  2. Similarly, the minimum intensity \( I_{min} \), due to destructive interference, is: I_{min} = (\sqrt{I_1} - \sqrt{I_2})^2
  3. The intensity ratio \( n \) is given by \( \frac{I_1}{I_2} \). Set \( I_1 = nI_2 \).
  4. Substitute \( I_1 = nI_2 \) into the equations for \( I_{max} \) and \( I_{min} \):
    • I_{max} = \left(\sqrt{nI_2} + \sqrt{I_2}\right)^2 = (\sqrt{n} \sqrt{I_2} + \sqrt{I_2})^2 = I_2 (\sqrt{n} + 1)^2
    • I_{min} = \left(\sqrt{nI_2} - \sqrt{I_2}\right)^2 = (\sqrt{n} \sqrt{I_2} - \sqrt{I_2})^2 = I_2 (\sqrt{n} - 1)^2
  5. Now, substitute these expressions into the required ratio: \frac{I_{max} - I_{min}}{I_{max} + I_{min}} = \frac{I_2 (\sqrt{n} + 1)^2 - I_2 (\sqrt{n} - 1)^2}{I_2 (\sqrt{n} + 1)^2 + I_2 (\sqrt{n} - 1)^2}
  6. Cancel \( I_2 \) from both numerator and denominator:
    \frac{(\sqrt{n} + 1)^2 - (\sqrt{n} - 1)^2}{(\sqrt{n} + 1)^2 + (\sqrt{n} - 1)^2}
  7. Simplify the numerator and the denominator:
    • The numerator: \[ (\sqrt{n} + 1)^2 - (\sqrt{n} - 1)^2 = (n + 1 + 2\sqrt{n}) - (n + 1 - 2\sqrt{n}) = 4\sqrt{n} \]
    • The denominator: \[ (\sqrt{n} + 1)^2 + (\sqrt{n} - 1)^2 = (n + 1 + 2\sqrt{n}) + (n + 1 - 2\sqrt{n}) = 2(n + 1) \]
  8. Therefore, the required ratio is:
    \frac{4\sqrt{n}}{2(n + 1)} = \frac{2\sqrt{n}}{n + 1}

Thus, the correct answer is \frac{2 \sqrt{n}}{n + 1}.

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