How Do You Calculate Path-Length Differences in Two-Source Interference?

1 reply · 9K views · last reply
aliaze1
Messages
173
Reaction score
1

Homework Statement



Diagram of circular wave fronts from two sources, Source 1 in red on the left and Source 2 in blue on the right, with points A, B, C and D marked where the circles overlap.

http://session.masteringphysics.com/problemAsset/1014010/14/1014010E.jpg

What are the path-length differences at Points A, C, and D
(respectively, ΔdA, ΔdC, ΔdD)?

Enter your answers numerically in terms of lambda λ

Homework Equations



Does this require an equation? I figured it was pictorial

Diagram of concentric circular red wave rings spreading outward from a red dot labelled as the rock acting as the wave source; labels point to troughs and crests.

http://session.masteringphysics.com/problemAsset/1014010/14/1014010D.jpg

The Attempt at a Solution



I looked at the picture and tried the following, which were all incorrect:

3.5, 2.5, 2
3, 2, 1.5