Question:medium

Two waves of intensity ratio \( 1 : 9 \) cross each other at a point. The resultant intensities at the point, when (a) Waves are incoherent is \( I_1 \) (b) Waves are coherent is \( I_2 \) and differ in phase by \( 60^\circ \) If \( \frac{I_1}{I_2} = \frac{10}{x} \) then \( x = \) _____.

Updated On: Jan 31, 2026
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Correct Answer: 13

Solution and Explanation

Incoherent Wave:

The intensity, denoted as \( I_1 \), is the aggregate of individual intensities \( I_A \) and \( I_B \):

\[ I_1 = I_A + I_B \quad \Rightarrow \quad I_1 = I_0 + 9I_0 = 10I_0 \]

Coherent Wave:

The intensity, denoted as \( I_2 \), is calculated using the formula:

\[ I_2 = I_A + I_B + 2 \sqrt{I_A I_B} \cos(60^\circ) \]

Upon substitution of values and simplification:

\[ I_2 = I_0 + 9I_0 + 2 \sqrt{I_0 I_0} \cdot \cos(60^\circ) = 13I_0 \]

Intensity Ratio:

The ratio between \( I_1 \) and \( I_2 \) is determined as:

\[ \frac{I_1}{I_2} = \frac{10I_0}{13I_0} = \frac{10}{13} \]

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