A light wave with an electric field amplitude of E₀ and a phase constant of zero is to be combined with one of the following waves.Which of these combinations produces the greatest intensity? A)wave A has an amplitude of E₀ and a phase constant of zero B)wave B has an amplitude of E₀ and a phase constant of $\pi$ C)wave C has an amplitude of 2E₀ and a phase constant of zero D)wave D has an amplitude of 2E₀ and a phase constant of $\pi$ E)wave E has an amplitude of 3E₀ and a phase constant of $\pi$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The intensity of a wave is proportional to the square of its amplitude. Therefore, the wave with the greatest intensity will be the one with the highest amplitude. Among the given choices, option C has the highest amplitude of 2E₀. Therefore, combining the original wave with wave C will produce the greatest intensity.

A Light Wave with an Electric Field Amplitude of E0 π\piπ

A Light Wave with an Electric Field Amplitude of E₀ $\pi$