Solution
Related Formula
For a stable, visible interference pattern to form, the light sources passing through the two slits must be coherent:
- They must have the same wavelength (or frequency).
- They must maintain a constant phase difference over time.
Core Logic
If one slit is covered by a red filter and the other by a green filter:
- Only red light (λred ≈ 700~nm) passes through the first slit.
- Only green light (λgreen ≈ 500~nm) passes through the second slit.
Since the two passing waves have completely different wavelengths and frequencies, they are incoherent.
Step 1: Resulting Pattern Analysis
Coherent sources are a prerequisite for producing stable bright and dark interference fringes. Incoherent waves of different frequencies merely superimpose to create a general background illumination without any distinct, observable spatial fringe lines.
Thus, there shall be no interference fringes.
Pattern Recognition
Sees: YDSE + opposite colored filters (red and green) on slits. Trap: Don't get confused thinking separate patterns will overlay. Since the slits emit different colors, the sources are incoherent, so the interference term φ = 0. Shortcut: Different colors = different wavelengths = incoherent sources = NO fringes. ✓
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Wave Optics