Effect of combining two source of light

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of combining two light sources, specifically flashlights, in the same direction. Participants explore whether this combination extends the range of light, the implications of light beams crossing, and the effects of using a hole in a surface in front of a light source.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that using two flashlights in the same direction could extend the useful range of light.
  • It is suggested that light beams can cross each other without diminishing their intensity.
  • There is a question about the rules governing the extension of the useful range when combining light sources.
  • One participant mentions that while the increase in brightness from combining sources may be slight, it is utilized in infrared sender and receiver applications.
  • Another participant states that doubling the number of light sources could theoretically double the illuminating power, with a potential extension of range by a factor of √2, referencing the inverse-square law.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the extent to which combining light sources affects range and intensity, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the behavior of light and the effectiveness of combining sources, which may depend on specific conditions and definitions not fully explored in the conversation.

mohammadyou
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I wonder to know what would happen when we use two flashlight in a same direction. by doing so, do we extend the range of light?
if so, does it mean if the lights cross each other in a point perpendicularly the range that the light can traverse is going to reduce ?
I have been said that if we create a hole on a surface and put it in front of a light source, the beam that we created going further? if is it true What is the reason?
Tnx
 
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mohammadyou said:
I wonder to know what would happen when we use two flashlight in a same direction. by doing so, do we extend the range of light?
if so, does it mean if the lights cross each other in a point perpendicularly the range that the light can traverse is going to reduce ?
I have been said that if we create a hole on a surface and put it in front of a light source, the beam that we created going further? if is it true What is the reason?
Tnx

Hi mohammadyou, welcome to the Physics Forums.

You could say that a pair of flashlights will extend the useful range.

Light beams can cross and they'll always emerge undiminished.

I guess a piece of reflective material, with a hole, placed over a flashlight could give a slightly stronger beam, but only slightly. You probably wouldn't notice it without instrumentation. Why do you think the beam might be a little bit brighter?
 
NascentOxygen said:
You could say that a pair of flashlights will extend the useful range.
Light beams can cross and they'll always emerge undiminished.
Thanks NascentOxygen,
Which kind of rule takes place that useful range with extend ? (thought Physics is not my field )
NascentOxygen said:
Why do you think the beam might be a little bit brighter?
I do agree with you, the power that added to beam is not too much but
some people use this trick in a sender and receiver infrared to extend their range !
and I consider this power negligible
 

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