TEAS 7 practice test free science Related

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When two coherent light waves with a slight phase difference interfere, what determines the resulting intensity of the combined wave?

  • A. The individual intensities of the waves
  • B. The wavelength of the waves
  • C. The distance between the waves
  • D. The color of the waves
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The resulting intensity of the combined wave is determined by the individual intensities of the waves. When two coherent light waves interfere, the amplitudes of the waves add up, and the resulting intensity is proportional to the square of the sum of the individual amplitudes. Therefore, the individual intensities of the waves play a crucial role in determining the resulting intensity of the combined wave. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. The wavelength of the waves and the distance between the waves do affect interference patterns but not the resulting intensity. The color of the waves is determined by the wavelength and does not directly determine the resulting intensity of the combined wave.