Chapter 8

Superposition
 Chapter Outline
• Principle of superposition

• Stationary waves

• Diffraction

• Interference

• The diffraction grating

 Superposition
• When two waves overlap the resulting disturbance is simply the sum
of the disturbances produced by each wave.
 Principle of Superposition
• When two or more traveling waves encounter each other while
moving through a medium, the resultant wave is found by adding
together the displacements of the individual waves point by point.
 Beat

• When two waves of slightly different frequencies combine, they produce a wobbling sound
called beats.
• Beats have two characteristics: the beat frequency (how often the sound changes volume)
and the tone frequency, which is the tone that the listener hears.
• The beat frequency fb = f2 - f1, where f2 > f1. The tone frequency ft = (f1 + f2)/2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M72kQulGKk
 Interference

• Constructive interference (maxima): the resultant amplitude is

double the amplitude of one wave.
• Destructive interference (minima): the waves cancel out and the
resultant amplitude is zero.
Optical interference between two point sources for different
wavelengths and source separations.
 Constructive Interference

• Crests (or toughs) of two light waves are coincident.

• They combine together to create an amplified wave in what is known as
constructive interference.
• The two waves are in phase.
• Amplitude of resultant wave is the sum of individual amplitude.
• The frequencies of the resultant wave and individual waves are the same.
• For light wave, a band of bright light is observed. For sound wave a region of
loud sound is heard.
• If the intensity of individual wave is I, the intensity of the resultant wave is 4I.
 Destructive Interference

• Cancellation (zero amplitude) occurs when two sets of waves cross

where a wave crest meets a wave trough.
• Phase difference between the wave is  radian (antiphase).
• For complete cancellation the amplitude of both waves must be the
same.
• For light, a dark band is observed. For sound waves no sound.
 Condition for Interference
• For constructive interference the path difference is a whole number
of wavelengths:
- path difference = 0, λ, 2λ, 3λ, etc.
-or path difference, ,

• For destructive interference the path difference is an odd number of

half wavelengths:
- path difference = λ, λ, λ, etc.
- or path difference,
 Path difference
• Point source O emits light in all direction.
Surface L
• At surface L, all the light rays have travelled same
distance – they have the same path length.
• However, light rays b and c reach the plane ABC at O
c Path
different point, at different time. b difference
• Light ray c has to travel an extra distance.
A B C

• This extra distance is the path difference between ray b and c.

• Path difference is the difference in the distance travelled by 2 waves meeting at a
point.
 Path difference

• The figure illustrates the interference of wave from two point sources S1 and
S2. The point P is equidistance from S1 and S2 (path difference is zero). If the
waves started in phase at S1 and S2, they will arrive in phase at P (phase
difference is zero). They combine constructively, producing a maximum
disturbance at P.
• At Q, the waves will have travelled differences distance from the two sources
(path difference is half a wavelength). The waves arrive at Q is antiphase, and
interference is destructive, producing a minimum resultant disturbance.
 Observing interference in a ripple tank
• Interference can be demonstrated in a ripple tank by
using two point sources.
• When the bar vibrates, each dipper acts as a source of
circular ripples spreading outwards.
• Where these sets of ripples overlap, we observe an
interference pattern.

Constructive interference occurs when two

sources arrive in phase with one another
(red dots).
While destructive interference occurs when
two sources arrive out of phase (blue dots).
 Producing an interference pattern with sound waves
• Two loudspeakers are connected to a single signal
generator.
• They each produce sound waves of the same wavelength.
• Walk around in the space in front of the loudspeakers; you
will hear the resultant effect.
a
• At some points, the sound is louder than for a single
speaker.
• At other points, the sound is much quieter.
D • The space around the two loudspeakers consists of a series
of loud and quiet regions.
• We are observing the phenomenon known as interference.
x

The sound waves from two

This experiment is best done outside so that reflections of
loudspeakers combine to give
sounds (or echoes) do not affect the results.
an interference pattern.
 Producing an interference pattern with light waves
• If you try to set up a demonstration with two separate light sources, such as car
headlight, you will find that is not possible to produce an observable
interference pattern.
• A similar demonstration works with sound waves from two loudspeakers, each
connected to separate signal generators. Why?
 Producing an interference pattern with light waves

• To produce an observable interference pattern, the two sources must have the
same single frequency. They must also have a constant phase relationship.

Wave sources which maintain a constant phase relationship are

described as coherent sources.
 Stationary (Standing) Waves
• When waves are confined to a certain space, as waves in an organ
pipe, or perhaps waves on a guitar string, there are reflections at
both ends of the medium and thus waves are set up in both
directions through the medium.
• These waves combine by the principle of superposition.
• For a given medium there are certain frequencies where the
superposition results in a stationary vibration pattern know as a
standing wave.
 Stationary (Standing) Waves

• In the resultant standing wave the points where the displacement is

always zero are known as the nodes.
• In between these nodes are the points where there is the maximum
displacement variation with time. These points are known as the
antinodes.
• The distance between any two adjacent nodes or antinodes is always
half a wavelength.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNt8d6vJj8c
 Formation of stationary waves

• A stationary wave is formed whenever two progressive waves of same

amplitude and wavelength travel in opposite directions and superimpose.
• Certain points on the wave undergo constant constructive or destructive
interference. These points are known as nodes and anti-nodes.
• These 'in phase' waves produce an amplitude that is the sum of the
individual amplitudes, the region being called an antinode.
• Between two antinodes is a region where the superposition is zero.
This is called a node.
• Distance between two successive nodes (or antinodes) is ½.
• Distance between a node and an adjacent antinode is ¼.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gr7KmTOrx0
Example:

9702/01/M/J/09 ANS: B
Example:
The graph represents a standing wave at two different times.

What does the distance XY represent?

A half the amplitude
B half the frequency
C half the period
D half the wavelength

ANS: D
 Stationary waves using microwaves

• Start by directing the microwave transmitter at a metal plate, which reflects the
microwaves back towards the source.
• Move the probe receiver around in the space between the transmitter and the
reflector and you will observe positions of high and low intensity.
• A stationary wave is set up where the positions of high and low intensity are the
antinodes and nodes respectively.
• If the probe is moved along the direct line from the transmitter to the plate, the
wavelength of the microwaves can be determined from the distance between the
nodes.
• Knowing that microwaves travel at the speed of light c, we can then determine their
frequency f using the wave equation: c = f λ.
Example:

9702/01/M/J/05 ANS: C
 Standing waves in stretching string

a) Signal generator (SG). The vibrator is join to a signal generator. The signal
generator provides sinusoidal a.c. voltage of known frequency and peak
voltage.
b) Vibrator: cause the end of string to oscillate in simple harmonic motion.
c) Hanger and slotted mass provides the tension in the string.
d) The speed of wave on the string is determine by the tension and mass per
unit length of string used.
 Mode or pattern of vibration

• When the string is fixed at both ends the standing wave must have a node at
both ends as the fixed positions cannot move.

• If we have a string of length L, fixed at both ends, a number of standing wave

patterns can be created. These standing wave patterns are called harmonics.
 L  12     2 L
v v
f1  
 2L

L
v v
f 2    2 f1
 L

L  32     23 L
v v 3v
f3     3 f1
 3 L
2
2L

L  2    12 L
v v 2v
f4     4 f1
 1
2 L L

L v
fn  n  nf1 n  1, 2, 3, ...
2L
Phase

t=0
t=⅛T
t=¼T

t=½T
Example:
Speed of a transverse wave on a stretched string can be changed by adjusting tension of
the string. A stationary wave pattern is set up on stretched string using an oscillator set at
frequency of 650 Hz.

How must wave be changed to maintain the same stationary wave pattern if the applied
frequency is increased to 750 Hz?

A Decrease the speed of the wave on the string.

B Decrease the wavelength of the wave on the string.
C Increase the speed of the wave on the string.
D Increase the wavelength of the wave on the string.

9702/11/M/J/13 ANS: C
Example:

9702/11/M/J/15 ANS: B
Example: (a) Transverse progressive wave travels along stretched string from left to right. Shape
of part of string at particular instant is shown.

Frequency of wave is 15 Hz. For this wave, use Fig to determine

(i) Amplitude
(ii) Phase difference between points P and Q on string
(iii) Speed of wave
9702/23/M/J/Q6
Example:
(b) Period of vibration of wave is T. Wave moves forward from position shown in Fig
for a time 0.25 T. On Fig, sketch new position of wave:
(c) Another stretched string is used to form stationary wave. Part of this wave, at
particular instant, is shown.

Points on string are at their maximum displacement.

(i) State phase difference between particles labelled X and Y:
(ii) Explain following terms used to describe stationary waves on string: Antinode,
Node.
(iii) State number of antinodes shown for this wave.
(iv) Period of vibration of wave is T. On Fig, sketch stationary wave 0.25 T after
instant shown.
Example: Answer
(a) (i) Amplitude = 7.6mm
(ii) Phase difference = 180o / π rad
(iii) Speed of wave, v = f λ = 15 x 0.8 = 12ms-1
(b) The sketch should be correct with the peak moved to the right.
The curve should be moved by the correct phase angle / time
period of 0.25T (λ / 4 = 80 / 4 = 20 cm).

New position
Example: Answer
(c) (i) {For a stationary wave, points in the same segment are in phase, while
points in adjacent segments are in anti-phase (180o). This is because,
apart from nodes, the points of a stationary wave can only move
upwards or downwards. Here, point X and Y will both move downwards
since the position displayed is that where the points are at their
maximum displacement}
Phase difference = zero (rad)
(ii) Antinode: maximum amplitude
Node: zero amplitude / displacement
(iii) Number of antinodes = 3
(iv) The sketch contains a horizontal line through the central section of the
wave
Example: Answer
In the time = period of vibration T, the new position of the points of
the stationary wave will be the same as displayed. [Consider the
antinode between X and Y. In 1 period, the point would have to
move downwards to the horizontal line, then downwards to the
maximum amplitude. Then, the point moves upwards to horizontal
line again and finally to upwards to its original position. So in a time
= T, a point travels a distance equal to 4 x amplitude.] So, for time =
T/2, the new position would be the reflection about the horizontal
line. For time = 0.25T = T/4, the new position be at the horizontal
line}
 Measurement of the velocity of sound
• An open-ended tube is placed in a glass cylinder
containing water, so that the water closes the
bottom end of the tube.
• A tuning fork of known frequency is sounded over
the upper end, the air in the tube vibrates and a
note is heard.
• The length of the air column (L) is adjusted by
raising the tube out of the water until a point is
found where resonance occurs and a loud note is
produced.
• At this point the frequency (f) of the tuning fork is
Resonance Tube equal to the resonant frequency of the tube.
• The speed of sound is determine by the L and f.
 The speed of sound in air column
A The speed of the wave is
N
A A v  4 fL
N N
A A A v 4
3 fL
N N N
v 4
5 fL

The resonance is a standing wave phenomenon in the air column and occurs when
the column length is:

λ/4, 3λ/4, 5λ /4 where λ is the sound wavelength.

The water surface constitutes a node (N) of the standing wave since the air is not free
to move longitudinally. The open end provides the conditions for an antinode (A).
 Mode or pattern of vibration
A pipe closed at one end A pipe open at both ends
Standing sound wave in a tube

• Notice that the tube have areas of no vibration or

nodes at their closed ends and areas of maximum
vibration or antinodes at their open ends.

• An antinode also occurs at the centre of a tube

closed at both ends in this mode.

• Nodes are areas where the velocity of the

molecules is effectively zero but where there is a
maximum variation in pressure, while the reverse
is true for antinodes.
A pipe closed at one end

A pipe open at both ends

 Standing waves
Standing waves in stretching string:
The natural frequencies of vibration of a stretched string of length L, fixed at
both ends, are
𝑣
𝑓 𝑛 =𝑛 =𝑛 𝑓 1 ; 𝑛=1 , 2 ,3 ,.. .
2𝐿

Standing Waves in Air Columns:

If the reflecting end of the tube is open, all harmonics are present and the
natural frequencies of vibration are
𝑣
𝑓 𝑛 =𝑛 =𝑛 𝑓 1 ; 𝑛=1 , 2 ,3 ,.. .
2𝐿

If the tube is closed at the reflecting end, only the odd harmonics are present
and the natural frequencies of vibration are
𝑣
𝑓 𝑛 =𝑛 =𝑛 𝑓 1 ; 𝑛=1 , 3 , 5 ,.. .
4𝐿
 Progressive waves vs Standing waves
Progressive waves Standing waves
Displacement: Displacement:
No points are at zero displacement At nodes the displacement is permanently zero.
permanently.
Amplitude: Amplitude:
Every point vibrates with the same Each point along the wave has different amplitude
amplitude. of vibration from neighboring points.
Phase: Phase:
The phase of neighbouring points are all At points between successive nodes the vibrations
different. are in phase.
Energy: Energy:
The wave energy move along at the The wave energy stays at the same positions along
speed of the wave as the wave progress. the medium.
Example:
Basic principle of note production in a horn is to set up stationary wave in an air column.

For any note produced by horn, a node is formed at the mouthpiece and an antinode is
formed at bell. Frequency of lowest note is 75 Hz.
What are the frequencies of next two higher notes for this air column?

ANS: D
Example:

Tubes are identical except tube X is closed at its lower end while tube Y is open at its lower
end. Both tubes have open upper ends.
Tuning fork placed above tube X causes resonance of air at frequency f. No resonance is
found at any lower frequency than f with tube X.
Which tuning fork will produce resonance when placed just above tube Y?

A. a fork of frequency f/2

B. a fork of frequency 2f/3
C. a fork of frequency 3f/2
D. a fork of frequency 2f
ANS: D
Example:

9702/11/M/J/15 ANS: D
Example:
a) State two features of stationary wave that distinguish it from a progressive wave.
b) Long tube is open at one end. It is closed at other end by means of a piston that can be moved along the
tube, as shown Fig.1.

Loudspeaker producing sound of frequency 550 Hz is held near the open end of tube.
Piston is moved along the tube and a loud sound is heard when the distance L between piston and open end
of tube is 45 cm. Speed of sound in tube = 330 ms-1.
(i) Show that wavelength of the sound in the tube is 60 cm
(ii) On Fig.1, mark all positions along the tube of:
1. Displacement nodes (label with letter N)
2. Displacement antinodes (label letter A)
c) Frequency of the sound produced by loudspeaker in (b) is gradually reduced.
Determine lowest frequency at which a loud sound will be produced in the tube of length L = 45 cm.

9702/22/M/J/10 Q4
Example: Answer
(a) Choose any 2:
No energy transfer.
The amplitude varies along its length / nodes and antinodes.
The neighboring points (in an inter-nodal loop) vibrate in phase, etc.

(b) (i) Wavelength λ = v / f = 330 / 550 = 0.60 m = 60 cm.

(ii) A node labelled at the piston and antinode labeled at the open end of the tube.
Additional node and antinode in correct positions (1/3 L from open end) along tube.

(c) At lowest frequency, length of tube corresponds to λ /4

So, λ = 4x45 = 180cm = 1.8m
Frequency = (v/ λ =) 330 / 1.8 = 180Hz
 Measuring the wavelength and the speed of sound using stationary
waves in free air
Signal generator
Frequency Adjust

• Place the microphone in between the loudspeaker and

5
3 7

2 8

1 9
100Hz 1kHz 10kHz
10Hz 100kHz

Frequency range
1000

hardboard
100 10

10 100

(partial reflector)

reflector – pointing at the loudspeaker.

1 1000
Frequency

Wave Outputs

55 Hz A

power

Speaker

• Move the microphone slowly towards the reflector. You

1.5 m

microphone
will observe places of maximum and minimum signal.

• The distance between two points of minimum signal is

half a wavelength. Measure and record the distance
20
10

50
ms/div
5
2

0.5
1
X-shift
moved by the microphone between a number of points
20
10

50
V/div
5
2

0.5
1
Y-shift
of minimum signal, and calculate the wavelength.
focus inputs

A B C D

brightness

oscilloscope
• The speed of sound can then be calculated using v = f.

http://tap.iop.org/vibration/superpostion/324/page_46786.html
 Diffraction of waves
Diffraction is the spreading of a wave as it passes through a gap or around an
edge.

a b c
• The extent to which ripples spread out depends on the relationship between their
wavelength and the width of the gap.
• In a, the width of the gap is very much greater than the wavelength and there is hardly any
noticeable diffraction.
• In b, the width of the gap is greater than the wavelength and there is limited diffraction.
• In c, the gap width is equal to the wavelength and the diffraction effect is greatest.
Example:

9702/01/M/J/09 ANS: B
Diffraction of ripples in water
• Plane waves are generated using a vibrating bar, and
move towards a gap in a barrier.
• Where they arrive at the gap, however, they pass
through and spread out into the space beyond.
• It is this spreading out of waves as they travel through
a gap (or past the edge of a barrier) that is called
diffraction.
 Huygens' explanation of diffraction

Huygens’ principle:
Each point on a wavefront may be treated as a source of secondary wavelets that expand
radially from their source with the same speed as the original wave.
 Diffraction by a single slit
• Formation of diffraction pattern can be explained by Huygen’s principle and principle of
superposition.
• According to Huygen’s principle, each point within the slit acts as a source of secondary
wavelets.
• Because of the barrier, secondary wavelets behind the barrier are reflected or
absorbed.
• Hence, only secondary wavelets on the slit can propagate to form new wavefronts.
• Because no secondary wavelets behind the barrier to continuously form complete
planar wavefronts, diffracted wavefronts curve and spread out.
 Diffraction by a single slit
• Secondary wavelets on the slit produces new wavefronts.
• The new wavefronts will interfere with each other according to principle of
superposition.
• Hence, interference fringe (diffraction) patterns are observed, according to
Huygen’s principle and principle of superposition of waves.
 Diffraction pattern
• Diffraction pattern after passing through a single slit
contains a central maximum or central bright fringe.
• It refers to the entire bright band in the centre of the
pattern.
• The intensity is brightest at the centre and falls off
gradually until the first minimum on either side, where
screen is dark (zero intensity).
• Further from centre, maxima and minima alternate.
• Away from centre, intensity of maxima decreases.
Single Slit Diffraction
 Single Slit Diffraction
• The single slit diffraction pattern can be explained based on
Huygen’s wavelet idea.
• We start by dividing the slit into two halves.
• One source is at A, at the top edge of the slit, and second is at B,
at the center of the slit, a distance a/2 along the wavefront from
A.
• In the straight-on direction, there is no path difference
(constructive interference occurs) while the path difference
between the waves A and B is an odd number of half wavelengths
(destructive interference occurs).
• At the first minimum, each ray from the upper half will be exactly
180°out of phase with a corresponding ray form the lower half.

• Thus, the condition 𝑛

forλ the first minimum is
sin 𝜃=
𝑎
• In general,
 Changes to slit separation
Slit width is halved:

• When slit width is halved, distance of first minimum from centre is doubled.
• However, intensity of central maximum decreases as less light pass through the
smaller slit.
 Changes to slit separation
Slit width is double:

• When slit width is doubled, distance of first minimum from centre is halved.
• However, intensity of central maximum increases as more light pass through the larger
slit.
Example:

9702/11/O/N/15 ANS: A
Young's double-slit experiment
• In 1801 Thomas Young demonstrated how the
light waves could produce an interference
pattern.

• The bright ‘fringes’ are the regions where light

waves from the two slits are arriving in phase
with each other, i.e. constructive interference.

• The dark regions in between are the result of

destructive interference.

• These bright and dark fringes are the

equivalent of the loud and quiet regions.
Double slits produce two coherent Double slit interference Interference
sources of waves that interfere. pattern for water waves pattern from light.
Conditions for Double Slit Interference:
1. The waves must be from 2 coherent (constant phase difference) light sources.
2. The two waves must be monochromatic (single wavelength)
3. Separation of the 2 coherent sources must be small so that interference
pattern can be seen clearly.
4. Distance of the screen from the 2 slits must be large
Waves follow different paths from the slits to a common point on a screen.

(a) Destructive interference occurs here, because one path is a half wavelength longer
than the other. The waves start in phase but arrive out of phase.

(b) Constructive interference occurs here because one path is a whole wavelength longer
than the other. The waves start out and arrive in phase.
• When the two waves r1 and r2 (from S1 and S2
respectively) interfere, they have travelled
different path length.
• There is an optical path difference between r1
and r2.

• Assumptions:
(i) Since slit separation, 𝑎, is very small, r1 and r2
can be considered parallel.

(ii) Angle θ is very small.

**(a) Optical path difference between r1 and r2:

is the extra distance travelled by r1.

**(b) Since angle θ is very small,

Hence,
**Extra explanation:

But when is very small,

Constructive Interference (bright fringe):
• For constructive interference to occur, optical path difference between 2
coherent waves must be integer multiple of wavelength.
• Optical path difference,

• Hence,

• distance of th bright fringe from central bright

Destructive Interference (dark fringe):
• For destructive interference to occur, optical path difference between 2 coherent
waves must be half integer multiple of wavelength.
• Optical path difference,

• Hence,

• distance of th dark fringe from central bright

* Note the difference from the original path difference for destructive interference!
 Fringe Separation
Distance from central maximum
(i) for the th order: 𝒙

(ii) for the th order:

Separation between the fringe, :

 Factors affecting fringe separation
• Separation between the fringe, :

• Factors that affect fringe separation are:

1. , wavelength of light
2. , slit separation
3. , distance from double slit to screen

• Changes to the variables:

1. If slit separation, ↑, fringe separation, ↓.
2. If distance of double slit from screen, ↑, fringe separation, ↑. Intensity of the
bright fringes decreases.
3. If wavelength of light used is smaller, fringe separation is smaller.
Example:

9702/11/O/N/15 ANS: A
Example:

9702/11/M/J/15 ANS: B
Example:

9702/01/O/N/08 ANS: D
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/phyopt/mulslid.html (gsu.edu)
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/phyopt/mulslid.html (gsu.edu)
 Diffraction grating

𝑑 sin 𝜃=𝑛 𝜆 , 𝑛=0 , 1 ,2 , .. .

• A transmission diffraction grating is similar to the slide used in the double-slit experiment,
but with many more slits than just two. It consists of a large number of equally spaced
lines ruled on a glass or plastic slide.
• Each line is capable of diffracting the incident light. There may be as many as 10 000 lines
per centimetre.
• When light is shone through this grating, a pattern of interference fringes is seen.
Grating spacing & number of lines per unit length (d & N):

Number of lines per unit length, N

Grating spacing or distance between successive slits, d = 1/ N

If N = 600 lines per mm, calculate the grating spacing.

d = 1/N = 1/600

d = 1.7 x 10-3 mm

d = 1.7 x 10-6 m
Maximum number of order
Since the maximum diffracting angle is 90,
this limits the number of order or spots of
light that can be observed.

Maximum order: when  = 90o

Example:
A diffraction grating consists of 6000 lines per cm. Calculate
(a) the separation between the slits, and
(b) the maximum number of spectra that can be observed for red
wavelength 7.8 x 10-7 m.

ANS: (a) 1.67 x 10-6 m (b) 5 spectral lines

 Diffracting white light

• A diffraction grating can be used to split white light up into its constituent colours
(wavelengths).
• This splitting of light is known as dispersion, shown in figure.
• A beam of white light is shone onto the grating.
• A zeroth-order, white maximum is observed at θ = 0°, because all waves of each
wavelength are in phase in this direction.
Example:

9702/01/M/J/09 ANS: A
Example:

ANS: A
Example:

ANS: D
Example:
Monochromatic light of wavelength 590 nm is incident normally on a
diffraction grating. The angle between the two second-order diffracted
beams is 43°.
What is the spacing of the lines on the grating?
A 0.87 μm B 1.6 μm C 1.7 μm D 3.2 μm

ANS: D
Example: (a) Explain the principle of superposition.
(b) Sound waves travel from source S to a point X along two paths SX
and SPX, as shown in Fig.1.

(i) State phase difference between these waves at X for this to be the
position of
1. a minimum,
2. a maximum.
(ii) Frequency of the sound from S is 400 Hz and speed of sound is
320 m s–1. Calculate wavelength of the sound waves.
(iii) Distance SP is 3.0 m and distance PX is 4.0 m. Angle SPX is 90°.
Suggest whether a maximum or a minimum is detected at point X.
Explain your answer.

9702/23/M/J/13 Q5
Example: Answer

(a) When waves overlap / meet, the resultant displacement is the sum of
the individual displacements of the waves.

(b) (i) 1. Phase difference for minimum = 180 º or (n + ½) 360 º

2. Phase difference for maximum = 0 or 360 º or (n360 º)
(ii) Speed v = f λ
Wavelength λ = 320 / 400 = 0.80 m

(iii)Path difference = 7.0 – 5.0 = 2.0 (m) = 2.5 λ

{Path difference = 7.0 – 5.0 = 2.0 m. Wavelength λ = 0.80m. In terms
of λ, a path difference of 2.0 m is equal to (2.0 / 0.80) × λ = 2.5 λ.}

Hence a minimum is detected at point X.

OR maximum if phase change at P is suggested
{If a phase change occurred at point P, then a maximum could be
obtained at point X. The condition for destructive interference: 180 º
or (n + ½) 360 º is for coherent sources (waves from these sources
are in phase)}
End