Question:medium

Two light beams of intensities in the ratio of 9:4 are allowed to interfere. The ratio of the intensity of maxima and minima will be:

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For interference of light, the intensity at maxima is given by \( I_{\text{max}} = (I_1 + I_2 + 2 \sqrt{I_1 I_2}) \), and the intensity at minima is \(I_{\text{min}} = (I_1 + I_2 2 \sqrt{I_1 I_2}) \).

Updated On: Nov 26, 2025
  • 2:3
  • 16:81
  • 25:169
  • 25:1
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Interference Intensity Formulas
The intensity of interference maxima and minima for two interfering beams is calculated using the following formulas: 
For maxima: \[ I_{\text{max}} = (I_1 + I_2 + 2 \sqrt{I_1 I_2}) \] 
For minima: \[ I_{\text{min}} = (I_1 + I_2 2 \sqrt{I_1 I_2}) \] Here, \( I_1 \) and \( I_2 \) represent the intensities of the two interfering beams. 
Step 2: Substitute Given Intensities 
The question provides an intensity ratio of 9:4. Therefore, we set \( I_1 = 9 \) and \( I_2 = 4 \). 
For maxima: \[ I_{\text{max}} = (9 + 4 + 2 \sqrt{9 \times 4}) = 13 + 2 \times 6 = 13 + 12 = 25 \] 
For minima: \[ I_{\text{min}} = (9 + 4 2 \sqrt{9 \times 4}) = 13 12 = 1 \] 
Step 3: Calculate Intensity Ratio 
The ratio of the intensity of maxima to minima is computed as follows: 

\[\frac{I_{\text{max}}}{I_{\text{min}}} = \frac{25}{1} = 25:1\]

 

Final Answer: The ratio of the intensity of maxima to minima is  25:1 .

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