PHYSICS
JAMB 2007 - Question 4
Physics 2007 JAMB Past Questions - Question 4: I. They should be identical II. They should originate from the same source. III. They should be coherent IV. They should be monochromatic. From the statements above, the conditions for two waves to interfere are
Choose the correct answers from the options given.
A:
B:
C:
D:
Correct Answer
C
Explanation
The conditions for two waves to interfere are described by statements I, II, and III, which are:
I. They should be identical.
II. They should originate from the same source.
III. They should be coherent.
Statement IV, "They should be monochromatic," is not a necessary condition for waves to interfere. Waves can interfere whether they are monochromatic (single-frequency) or composed of multiple frequencies (polychromatic). Interference depends on the relative phase relationship between the waves, and this phase relationship can be maintained in both monochromatic and polychromatic waves.

