Two plane-polarized light waves combine at a point. Their electric-field components are E₁ = E₀ sinωt and E₂ = E₀ sin(ωt + π/3). The amplitude of the resultant wave is:
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Question

Two plane-polarized light waves combine at a point. Their electric-field components are E₁ = E₀ sinωt and E₂ = E₀ sin(ωt + π/3). The amplitude of the resultant wave is:

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

For two harmonic waves of equal amplitude E₀ and phase difference φ = π/3, the resultant amplitude is E = √[E₀² + E₀² + 2E₀²cosφ]. Substitute cos(π/3)=1/2: E = E₀√[2 + 2(1/2)] = E₀√3 ≈ 1.73E₀. Therefore the nearest option is 1.7E₀. Correct option: C.