Final answer:
The ratio of intensities I1/I2 for two light beams that interfere to form a pattern where the ratio of maximum to minimum intensity is 25/9 is found to be 16.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question involves calculating the ratio of intensities I1/I2 in the context of light interference, which is a fundamental concept in Physics, specifically wave optics. In an interference pattern formed by two light beams, the maximum intensity (Imax) and the minimum intensity (Imin) at a point can be expressed using the individual intensities of the two beams, I1 and I2. According to the formula for constructive and destructive interference, the maximum intensity is Imax = (I1^0.5 + I2^0.5)^2 and the minimum intensity is Imin = (I1^0.5 - I2^0.5)^2.
Given ratio Imax/Imin is 25/9, we can set up an equation: (25/9) = (I1^0.5 + I2^0.5)^2 / (I1^0.5 - I2^0.5)^2.
By simplifying this equation we can solve for the ratio I1/I2 and find that it is 16, which corresponds to option D.