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Two coherent sources of light interfere and produce fringe patterns on a screen. For the central maximum, the phase difference between the two waves will be:

A

zero

B

\pi

C

3\pi /2

D

\pi /2

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Condition for Constructive Interference: Constructive interference (bright fringes or maxima) occurs when the phase difference (ϕ\phi) between the two interfering waves is an even integral multiple of π\pi. Mathematically, ϕ=2nπ\phi = 2n\pi, where n=0,1,2,n = 0, 1, 2, \dots.
  2. Central Maximum: The central maximum corresponds to the geometric center of the fringe pattern where the path difference (Δx\Delta x) between the waves from the two coherent sources is zero.
  3. Phase Difference Calculation: The relationship between phase difference and path difference is given by ϕ=2πλΔx\phi = \frac{2\pi}{\lambda} \Delta x. For the central maximum, since Δx=0\Delta x = 0, the phase difference ϕ=0\phi = 0.
  4. Conclusion: Therefore, for the central maximum, the phase difference is zero.
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