What happens if the path difference is not a multiple of lambda?

[pakontam]

take it as em waves.
if the path difference is nlambda, where n is an integer, the interference will be a constructive one.
if the difference is (n+1/2)lambda, it'll be distructive.

what's it if the difference is neither nlambda nor (n+1/2)lambda?

thanks.

 

[dipstik]

then it changes the magnitude of the wave by addition of the two waves of different phase:

E(total)=E(wave1)+E(wave2)
E(wave1)=E*cos(wt)
E(wave2)=E*cos(wt+phi)
where phi=2*Pi*(path_difference/lambda).

 

[sir-pinski]

If the path difference is not a multiple of lambda, the interference pattern will not be consistent and may result in a combination of constructive and destructive interference. This is because the waves will not be in phase with each other and the resulting interference pattern will be complex and difficult to predict. This can also lead to a decrease in the overall intensity of the waves due to destructive interference canceling out some of the energy from the constructive interference. In this case, it is important to consider the specific wavelengths and amplitudes of the waves to accurately determine the resulting interference pattern.