Two light rays having the same wavelength 
in vacuum are in phase initially. Then, the first ray travels a path 
through a medium of refractive index 
while the second ray travels a path of length 
through a medium of refractive index 
. The two waves are then combined to produce interference. Find the phase difference between two waves:
Text Solution
Verified by ExpertsB
The distance traversed by light in a medium of refractive index 
in time 
is given by:
… ..(i)
where, v is velocity of light in the medium. The distance traversed by light in a vacuum in this time, 
[from Eq. (i)]
… .(ii) 
Here, optical path for first ray 
Optical path for second ray 
Path difference 
Now-phase difference 
path difference
Prepare Smarter with CGP Edu
Get practice questions, solutions, and test series in one place.
Write a Review
Share your experience with this question and solution.
Commentary
Send your comment, doubt, correction, or feedback to admin.
Similar Questions
Explore conceptually related problems