Question

What path difference produces destructive interference?

Options

• \[\Delta x=2n\pi\]

• \[\Delta x=(2n+1)\pi\]

• \[\Delta x=n\lambda\]

• \[\Delta x=\left(n+\frac{1}{2}\right)\lambda\]

Answer 1

Destructive interference occurs when \[\Delta x=\left(n+\frac{1}{2}\right)\lambda\]. With \[n=0,1,2,3,\ldots\], these path differences make the waves meet in opposite phase.