Incoherent light consists of waves that have random phases and do not maintain a fixed phase relationship over time. It is characterized by its lack of consistent interference patterns.
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Incoherent light sources produce light waves with random phase differences.
Incoherent light does not create stable interference patterns, unlike coherent light.
The intensity of incoherent light is generally uniform over time, without significant fluctuations.
Incoherent sources are commonly used in everyday lighting, such as incandescent bulbs and LEDs.
In Young's Double Slit Experiment, incoherent light would result in a blurred or washed-out fringe pattern.
Review Questions
What characteristic distinguishes incoherent light from coherent light?
Why does incoherent light fail to produce stable interference patterns?
Give two examples of common sources of incoherent light.
Related terms
Coherent Light: Light waves that maintain a constant phase relationship and can produce clear interference patterns.
Interference Pattern: A pattern formed by the overlapping of two or more light waves that produces regions of constructive and destructive interference.
Young's Double Slit Experiment: An experiment demonstrating the wave nature of light through the creation of an interference pattern using two closely spaced slits.