Interference

• If two waves are in

the same place at the
same time, they
combine with each
other to produce a
resultant wave in
accordance with the
principle of superposit
ion
. This effect is called
interference.  
 Interference of Light Waves
• In the case of light
waves, interference of
light waves occurs
when two sets of
coherent waves
emerging from a
double-slit overlap
and interfere with
each other.
 History Corner
• Thomas Young first
demonstrated the
interference of light in
1801. His experiment
gave strong support to
the wave theory of light.
• This experiment shows
interference fringes
created when a coherent
light source (in this case
a ruby laser) is shone
through double slits.
 Interference pattern
• The interference
pattern observed
consists of alternate
bright and dark
fringes which
correspond to the
constructive and
destructive
interference
respectively.