CUET UG Physics Booster Test 2 - Interference and Superposition
📌 Answers are locked once submitted — results and explanations appear at the end.
QUESTION 1 OF 20
If two coherent light waves arriving at a point produce displacements y₁ = a cos(ωt) and y₂ = a cos(ωt + φ), the superposition principle yields that
1. the resulting displacement is identical to the arithmetic product of y₁ and y₂
2. the resultant displacement is 2a cos(φ/2) cos(ωt + φ/2)
3. the resultant intensity drops to exactly zero regardless of phase
4. they will not superpose if the amplitude is the same
QUESTION 2 OF 20
When applying the vector addition from the superposition principle to optical interference
QUESTION 3 OF 20
Identify the incorrect statement about the phase relationship of coherent sources
QUESTION 4 OF 20
If two vibrating sources fail to maintain a constant phase difference, their interference pattern shifts instantly, and the viewer perceives a _______ intensity rather than a _______ geometric pattern.
QUESTION 5 OF 20
Choose the statements about finding a point P perfectly equidistant from two identical oscillating needles
1. The physical waves from both needles arrive at point P out of phase.
2. The distance relation S₁P = S₂P forces the waves to arrive in phase.
3. The sources effectively mimic optical coherent sources.
4. The combined resultant amplitude at point P reaches a minimum.
QUESTION 6 OF 20
Correct statements about observing a point Q where the path difference is precisely 2λ in a ripple tank
1. Waves from source S₁ will arrive exactly two cycles earlier than those from S₂.
2. The differing travel times cause the waves to arrive completely out of phase.
3. The point falls on an antinodal line indicating maximum physical displacement.
4. The point Q consistently exhibits a state of destructive interference.
QUESTION 7 OF 20
Match List I (Given Path Difference Δx) with List II (Resulting Phase Difference φ)
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. Δx = 0 | a. φ = 4π |
| 2. Δx = λ | b. φ = 6π |
| 3. Δx = 2λ | c. φ = 0 |
| 4. Δx = 3λ | d. φ = 2π |
QUESTION 8 OF 20
In a double-slit setup, if the intensity of light from each individual slit is 10 W/m², what will be the resultant intensity specifically at a point where the phase difference is exactly 4π?
QUESTION 9 OF 20
If a designated point R has a physical path difference S₂R − S₁R = −2.5λ, what will be the exact phase of the displacement y₂ relative to y₁ if y₁ = a cos(ωt)?
QUESTION 10 OF 20
Identify the incorrect statement regarding the parameters for absolute zero resultant intensity
QUESTION 11 OF 20
The significance of the formula I = 4I₀ cos²(φ/2) is that it implies
1. intensity is perfectly linearly proportional to the phase difference.
2. the peak intensity achievable is only double the independent source intensity.
3. light energy is dynamically redistributed, establishing stationary bright and dark fringes.
4. fully incoherent light sources will naturally yield this exact periodic intensity pattern.
QUESTION 12 OF 20
For an arbitrary location G where the static phase difference between waves is φ, the true resultant displacement amplitude scales as
QUESTION 13 OF 20
When analyzing the behavior of two isolated, independent sodium lamps illuminating a screen
QUESTION 14 OF 20
Identify the correct statements about time-averaged intensities resulting from incoherent light addition
1. The physical intensity randomly cycles, preventing stationary fringes.
2. The mathematically evaluated average intensity over time becomes I = 2I₀.
3. The cos²(φ/2) factor averages out to 1/2 over significant periods.
4. The coherent addition rules perfectly describe the resulting visible fringes.
QUESTION 15 OF 20
Young cleverly bypassed the inherent incoherence of normal light by allowing a single pinhole to dictate the wavefronts, thus making the secondary slits operate in a _______ manner, generating _______ fringes.
QUESTION 16 OF 20
Choose the correct statements about the phase locking sequence in Young's experiment
1. A primary source brightly illuminates a single pinhole S.
2. The wavefront from S splits identically to fall upon S₁ and S₂.
3. An abrupt phase shift occurring at S disrupts S₁ and S₂ unevenly.
4. The technique successfully establishes S₁ and S₂ as coherent secondary radiators.
QUESTION 17 OF 20
If a Young's double-slit experiment runs with λ = 5 × 10⁻⁷ m, D = 1 m, and d = 10⁻³ m, what is the calculated distance x from the central bright axis to the very first bright fringe?
QUESTION 18 OF 20
Match List I (Fringe order n for Destructive Minima) with List II (Position formula scalar for λD/d)
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. n = 0 | a. −0.5 |
| 2. n = 1 | b. 0.5 |
| 3. n = 2 | c. 1.5 |
| 4. n = −1 | d. 2.5 |
QUESTION 19 OF 20
Identify the incorrect statement regarding the derived position equations xₙ = nλD/d and xₙ = (n+1/2)λD/d
QUESTION 20 OF 20
By evaluating the mathematical difference between sequential orders in the formula xₙ = nλD/d, we confirm that
Test Complete!
Answer Review
1 If two coherent light waves arriving at a point produce displacements y₁ = a cos(ωt) and y₂ = a cos(ωt + φ), the superposition principle yields that
1. the resulting displacement is identical to the arithmetic product of y₁ and y₂
2. the resultant displacement is 2a cos(φ/2) cos(ωt + φ/2)
3. the resultant intensity drops to exactly zero regardless of phase
4. they will not superpose if the amplitude is the same
�� Superposition requires addition of displacements. �� Trigonometric addition formula is used. �� Resultant amplitude depends on phase difference.
Using: y = y₁ + y₂ = a cos(ωt) + a cos(ωt + φ) Applying: cos A + cos B = 2 cos[(A+B)/2] cos[(A−B)/2] y = 2a cos(φ/2) cos(ωt + φ/2) Thus Statement 2 is correct.
- �� Option A → Superposition involves addition, not multiplication.
- �� Option C → Intensity depends on phase difference and is not always zero.
- �� Option D → Equal amplitudes do not prevent superposition.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Apply the trigonometric identity to the superposition equation.
Final Logic:
- Addition of two coherent waves gives 2a cos(φ/2) cos(ωt + φ/2).
"Cos + Cos → 2CosCos."
2 When applying the vector addition from the superposition principle to optical interference
�� Superposition predicts maxima and minima. �� Phase difference determines the outcome. �� Applicable to all wave interference.
The resultant displacement obtained from superposition allows determination of: • Constructive interference (maximum intensity) • Destructive interference (minimum intensity) Hence Option B is correct.
- �� Option A → Light is transverse, not longitudinal.
- �� Option C → Coherent sources require same frequency.
- �� Option D → Rapid phase fluctuations destroy stable interference.
Used
- Conceptual Recall
Application:
- Recall the role of superposition in interference.
Final Logic:
- The superposition equation predicts both maxima and minima.
"Superposition Predicts Fringes."
3 Identify the incorrect statement about the phase relationship of coherent sources
�� Coherence requires constant phase difference. �� The phase difference need not be zero. �� Same frequency is also required.
Coherent sources must maintain a constant phase difference. The phase difference may be: 0, π/2, π, or any fixed value. Therefore zero phase difference is not the exclusive requirement. Hence Option C is incorrect.
- �� Option A → Correct for sources derived from the same origin.
- �� Option B → Correct definition of coherence.
- �� Option D → Correct description of coherent source generation.
Used
- Odd One Out
Application:
- Identify the statement violating the definition of coherence.
Final Logic:
- Constant phase difference is required, not necessarily zero phase difference.
"Coherent = Constant φ, Not Zero φ."
4 If two vibrating sources fail to maintain a constant phase difference, their interference pattern shifts instantly, and the viewer perceives a _______ intensity rather than a _______ geometric pattern.
�� Random phase changes destroy fixed fringes. �� The eye records an average intensity. �� Stable interference disappears.
When phase difference changes rapidly: • Maxima and minima continuously shift. • No stable fringe pattern exists. • The observer sees only the time-averaged intensity. Therefore Option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Not generally true.
- �� Option C → Average intensity is not necessarily minimum.
- �� Option D → Light does not vanish.
Used
- Conceptual Recall
Application:
- Recall incoherent addition of light.
Final Logic:
- Rapid phase fluctuations produce time-averaged intensity.
"Changing Phase → Average Brightness."
5 Choose the statements about finding a point P perfectly equidistant from two identical oscillating needles
1. The physical waves from both needles arrive at point P out of phase.
2. The distance relation S₁P = S₂P forces the waves to arrive in phase.
3. The sources effectively mimic optical coherent sources.
4. The combined resultant amplitude at point P reaches a minimum.
�� Equal distances imply zero path difference. �� Waves arrive in phase. �� Constructive interference occurs.
1. Statement 1 is incorrect because equal path lengths produce phase agreement. 2. Statement 2 is correct because S₁P = S₂P gives path difference zero. 3. Statement 3 is correct because the oscillating needles behave as coherent sources. 4. Statement 4 is incorrect because the resultant amplitude is maximum. Therefore Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
- �� Option A → Includes incorrect Statement 1.
- �� Option C → Includes incorrect Statements 1 and 4.
- �� Option D → Includes incorrect Statement 4.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Check phase relationship at an equidistant point.
Final Logic:
- Zero path difference produces constructive interference.
"Equal Distance → Equal Phase."
6 Correct statements about observing a point Q where the path difference is precisely 2λ in a ripple tank
1. Waves from source S₁ will arrive exactly two cycles earlier than those from S₂.
2. The differing travel times cause the waves to arrive completely out of phase.
3. The point falls on an antinodal line indicating maximum physical displacement.
4. The point Q consistently exhibits a state of destructive interference.
�� 2λ is an integral wavelength difference. �� Integral wavelength difference gives constructive interference. �� Antinodal lines correspond to maxima.
1. Statement 1 is correct because a path difference of 2λ corresponds to a lead of two complete cycles. 2. Statement 2 is incorrect because two-cycle difference still means the waves are in phase. 3. Statement 3 is correct because constructive interference produces an antinode. 4. Statement 4 is incorrect because destructive interference requires half-integral wavelength difference. Therefore Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
- �� Option A → Includes incorrect Statement 2.
- �� Option B → Includes incorrect Statements 2 and 4.
- �� Option D → Includes incorrect Statement 4.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Use the constructive interference condition Δx = nλ.
Final Logic:
- 2λ corresponds to constructive interference and an antinode.
"Whole λ → Antinode."
7 Match List I (Given Path Difference Δx) with List II (Resulting Phase Difference φ)
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. Δx = 0 | a. φ = 4π |
| 2. Δx = λ | b. φ = 6π |
| 3. Δx = 2λ | c. φ = 0 |
| 4. Δx = 3λ | d. φ = 2π |
�� Phase difference φ = 2πΔx/λ. �� Substitute each path difference. �� Match the values.
Using: φ = 2πΔx/λ 1. Δx = 0 → φ = 0 → c 2. Δx = λ → φ = 2π → d 3. Δx = 2λ → φ = 4π → a 4. Δx = 3λ → φ = 6π → b Therefore: 1-c, 2-d, 3-a, 4-b Hence Option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Incorrect matching for first two entries.
- �� Option C → Incorrect matching for λ and 2λ.
- �� Option D → Completely incorrect sequence.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Apply φ = 2πΔx/λ to each entry.
Final Logic:
- Direct substitution gives the correct mapping.
"One λ = 2π."
8 In a double-slit setup, if the intensity of light from each individual slit is 10 W/m², what will be the resultant intensity specifically at a point where the phase difference is exactly 4π?
�� φ = 4π corresponds to constructive interference. �� I = 4I₀ cos²(φ/2). �� cos²(2π) = 1.
Given: I₀ = 10 W/m² φ = 4π I = 4I₀ cos²(φ/2) = 4(10)cos²(2π) = 40 × 1 = 40 W/m² Hence Option D is correct.
- �� Option A → Destructive interference value.
- �� Option B → Single-source intensity.
- �� Option C → Incoherent addition result.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Substitute values into the intensity formula.
Final Logic:
- Constructive interference gives 4I₀.
"φ = 2nπ ⇒ Maximum Intensity."
9 If a designated point R has a physical path difference S₂R − S₁R = −2.5λ, what will be the exact phase of the displacement y₂ relative to y₁ if y₁ = a cos(ωt)?
�� Phase difference φ = 2πΔx/λ. �� Δx = −2.5λ. �� Phase can differ by integral multiples of 2π and represent the same physical state.
Using: φ = −2π(Δx/λ) φ = −2π(−2.5) = 5π Therefore: y₂ = a cos(ωt + 5π) Hence Option B is correct.
- �� Option A → Corresponds to −4π phase difference.
- �� Option C → Incorrect conversion from path difference to phase difference.
- �� Option D → Corresponds to constructive interference.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Convert path difference into phase difference.
Final Logic:
- Δx = −2.5λ gives φ = +5π.
"Phase = 2π × Path Difference/λ."
10 Identify the incorrect statement regarding the parameters for absolute zero resultant intensity
�� Zero intensity requires destructive interference. �� Path difference must be half-integral λ. �� Integer λ gives constructive interference.
For complete cancellation: Path Difference = (n + 1/2)λ Phase Difference = (2n + 1)π Therefore Option C is incorrect because integer multiples of λ produce maxima.
- �� Option A → Correct destructive condition.
- �� Option B → Correct description.
- �� Option D → Equal amplitudes/intensities are needed for complete cancellation.
Used
- Odd One Out
Application:
- Compare constructive and destructive interference conditions.
Final Logic:
- Integer λ gives maxima, not minima.
"Whole λ Bright, Half λ Dark."
11 The significance of the formula I = 4I₀ cos²(φ/2) is that it implies
1. intensity is perfectly linearly proportional to the phase difference.
2. the peak intensity achievable is only double the independent source intensity.
3. light energy is dynamically redistributed, establishing stationary bright and dark fringes.
4. fully incoherent light sources will naturally yield this exact periodic intensity pattern.
�� Intensity varies with phase difference. �� Bright and dark fringes appear. �� Energy redistribution occurs.
1. Statement 1 is incorrect because intensity varies as cos²(φ/2), not linearly. 2. Statement 2 is incorrect because maximum intensity equals 4I₀. 3. Statement 3 is correct because interference redistributes light energy into maxima and minima. 4. Statement 4 is incorrect because incoherent sources do not produce stable interference patterns. Therefore only Statement 3 is correct.
- �� Option A → Statement 1 is incorrect.
- �� Option B → Statement 2 is incorrect.
- �� Option D → Statement 4 is incorrect.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Analyze physical meaning of the intensity equation.
Final Logic:
- The equation explains bright and dark fringe formation.
"Cos² Creates Fringes."
12 For an arbitrary location G where the static phase difference between waves is φ, the true resultant displacement amplitude scales as
�� Result obtained from superposition. �� Amplitude depends on phase difference. �� Basis of intensity variation.
For two equal-amplitude coherent waves: A = 2a cos(φ/2) This is the resultant amplitude. Hence Option B is correct.
- �� Option A → Incorrect amplitude relation.
- �� Option C → Related to intensity, not amplitude.
- �� Option D → Represents displacement, not amplitude.
Used
- Conceptual Recall
Application:
- Recall the resultant amplitude formula.
Final Logic:
- Amplitude = 2a cos(φ/2).
"Resultant Amplitude = 2aCos(φ/2)."
13 When analyzing the behavior of two isolated, independent sodium lamps illuminating a screen
�� Independent lamps are incoherent. �� Phase difference fluctuates rapidly. �� Stable fringes do not form.
Independent light sources do not maintain a constant phase difference. Rapid random phase changes destroy stable interference patterns. Therefore Option B is correct.
- �� Option A → No phase locking exists.
- �� Option C → Formula applies to coherent sources.
- �� Option D → Light does not cancel everywhere.
Used
- Conceptual Recall
Application:
- Recall why independent lamps fail to produce interference.
Final Logic:
- Random phase drift prevents stable fringes.
"Independent Lamps = Random Phase."
14 Identify the correct statements about time-averaged intensities resulting from incoherent light addition
1. The physical intensity randomly cycles, preventing stationary fringes.
2. The mathematically evaluated average intensity over time becomes I = 2I₀.
3. The cos²(φ/2) factor averages out to 1/2 over significant periods.
4. The coherent addition rules perfectly describe the resulting visible fringes.
�� Phase fluctuates randomly. �� No stationary fringes form. �� Average intensity equals 2I₀.
1. Statement 1 is correct because random phase variations destroy stable fringes. 2. Statement 2 is correct because average intensity becomes: I = I₀ + I₀ = 2I₀ 1. Statement 3 is correct because the interference term averages out over time. 2. Statement 4 is incorrect because coherent addition rules do not describe incoherent sources. Therefore Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct.
- �� Option A → Includes incorrect Statement 4.
- �� Option C → Includes incorrect Statement 4.
- �� Option D → Includes incorrect Statement 4 and omits correct Statements 1 and 2.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Evaluate each statement using incoherent addition principles.
Final Logic:
- Only Statement 4 is incorrect.
"Random Phase → Average Intensity."
15 Young cleverly bypassed the inherent incoherence of normal light by allowing a single pinhole to dictate the wavefronts, thus making the secondary slits operate in a _______ manner, generating _______ fringes.
�� Single source produces coherence. �� Secondary sources remain phase-locked. �� Stable fringes are observed.
Young used a single source to illuminate both slits. This made S₁ and S₂ coherent secondary sources with a fixed phase difference, producing stable interference fringes. Hence Option C is correct.
- �� Option A → Opposite of the actual setup.
- �� Option B → Slits become coherent, not incoherent.
- �� Option D → Fringes are stable.
Used
- Contextual/Tonal Matching
Application:
- Connect coherence with fringe stability.
Final Logic:
- Coherent sources produce stable interference.
"One Source → Stable Fringes."
16 Choose the correct statements about the phase locking sequence in Young's experiment
1. A primary source brightly illuminates a single pinhole S.
2. The wavefront from S splits identically to fall upon S₁ and S₂.
3. An abrupt phase shift occurring at S disrupts S₁ and S₂ unevenly.
4. The technique successfully establishes S₁ and S₂ as coherent secondary radiators.
�� Single source illuminates both slits. �� Phase changes affect both equally. �� Coherent secondary sources are produced.
1. Statement 1 is correct. 2. Statement 2 is correct. 3. Statement 3 is incorrect because any phase change affects both slits equally. 4. Statement 4 is correct because coherence is established. Therefore Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct.
- �� Option B → Includes incorrect Statement 3.
- �� Option C → Includes incorrect Statement 3.
- �� Option D → Includes incorrect Statement 3.
Used
- Elimination
Application:
- Check each statement using Young's setup.
Final Logic:
- Only Statement 3 is incorrect.
"Same Source → Same Phase Change."
17 If a Young's double-slit experiment runs with λ = 5 × 10⁻⁷ m, D = 1 m, and d = 10⁻³ m, what is the calculated distance x from the central bright axis to the very first bright fringe?
�� First bright fringe: n = 1. �� x = nλD/d. �� Substitute values.
For the first bright fringe: x = λD/d = (5 × 10⁻⁷ × 1)/(10⁻³) = 5 × 10⁻⁴ m Hence Option A is correct.
- �� Option B → Half the correct value.
- �� Option C → Double the correct value.
- �� Option D → Equals wavelength only.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Use the bright fringe position formula.
Final Logic:
- x = λD/d = 5 × 10⁻⁴ m.
"First Bright: x = λD/d."
18 Match List I (Fringe order n for Destructive Minima) with List II (Position formula scalar for λD/d)
| List I | List II |
|---|---|
| 1. n = 0 | a. −0.5 |
| 2. n = 1 | b. 0.5 |
| 3. n = 2 | c. 1.5 |
| 4. n = −1 | d. 2.5 |
�� Dark fringe position: x = (n + 1/2) λD/d �� Substitute each n.
1. n = 0 → 0.5 → b 2. n = 1 → 1.5 → c 3. n = 2 → 2.5 → d 4. n = −1 → −0.5 → a Therefore: 1-b, 2-c, 3-d, 4-a Hence Option B is correct.
- �� Options A, C and D contain incorrect substitutions.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Substitute values into x = (n + 1/2)λD/d.
Final Logic:
- Direct substitution gives the correct mapping.
"Dark Fringe = n + 1/2."
19 Identify the incorrect statement regarding the derived position equations xₙ = nλD/d and xₙ = (n+1/2)λD/d
�� Bright and dark fringes have equal width. �� Fringe width = λD/d. �� Width is independent of fringe type.
The fringe width is: β = λD/d Both bright and dark fringes are equally spaced and have equal width. Therefore Option D is incorrect.
- �� Option A → Correct dependence on λ.
- �� Option B → Correct dependence on d.
- �� Option C → Correct dependence on D.
Used
- Odd One Out
Application:
- Compare each statement with the fringe-width formula.
Final Logic:
- Dark and bright fringes have equal width.
"Same β for Bright and Dark."
20 By evaluating the mathematical difference between sequential orders in the formula xₙ = nλD/d, we confirm that
�� Consecutive bright fringes differ by one fringe width. �� Fringe width remains constant. �� Independent of fringe order.
For bright fringes: xₙ = nλD/d xₙ₊₁ = (n+1)λD/d Difference: xₙ₊₁ − xₙ = λD/d Thus every pair of adjacent bright fringes is separated by the same distance. Hence Option C is correct.
- �� Option A → Separation does not depend on n.
- �� Option B → Spacing remains constant.
- �� Option D → Fringes do not become condensed.
Used
- Substitution
Application:
- Subtract successive fringe positions.
Final Logic:
- β = λD/d remains constant.
"Adjacent Brights = One β Apart."
