Seeing Interference Patterns
Most recent answer: 07/01/2016
Q:
I understand how constructive and destructive wave interference occurs but I don't understand why it doesn't occur in our daily lives. There are light waves traveling all around but don't seem to be forming interference patterns. Why is this? Are there special circumstances that are required. I have a hypothesis relating to this and need to know just what is going on.Thank you,Allan Cookn
- Allan Cook (age 68)
44212
- Allan Cook (age 68)
44212
A:
Actually, there are interference patterns all around. Since sunlight and light from various types of bulbs consists of a mix of a range of frequencies these patterns fluctuate very quickly- too quickly for your eye to notice. With laser light it can be easy to see interference patterns as blotchy patterns of scattered light on a wall. These typically move around. If you imagine ones moving many times faster, you can see why you wouldn't notice ones from ordinary lights.
Mike W.
(published on 07/01/2016)