Two periodic waves of intensities I_1 and I_2 pass through a region at the same time in the same direction. The sum of the maximum and minimum…
NEET UG 2008 — Physics Waves & Oscillations
2008mcqmedium
Two periodic waves of intensities I1 and I2 pass through a region at the same time in the same direction. The sum of the maximum and minimum intensities is
Official previous-year question
Held on 30 Apr 2008 · Verified 9 Jul 2026.
Options
A
I1+I2
B
(I1+I2)2
C
(I1−I2)2
D
2(I1+I2)
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Solution
Resultant intensity of two periodic waves is given by I=I1+I2+2I1I2cosδ where δ is the phase difference between the waves. For maximum intensity, δ=2nπ;n=0,1,2… etc. Therefore, for zero order maxima, cosδ=1Imax =I1+I2+2I1I2=(I1+I2)2 For minimum intensity, δ=(2n−1)π; n=1,2… etc Therefore, for Ist order minima, cosδ=−1Imin=I1+I2−2I1I2=(I1−I2)2 Therefore, Imax+Imin=(I1+I2)2+(I1−I2)2=2(I1+I2)
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