Final answer:
When the sources are coherent, the maximum intensity of interference is four times the intensity of each individual wave. When the sources are incoherent, the maximum intensity of interference is equal to the intensity of each individual wave.
Step-by-step explanation:
In interference of waves, the maximum intensity of interference depends on whether the sources are coherent or incoherent.
When the sources are coherent, the maximum intensity of interference is four times the intensity of each individual wave. This is because the waves are in phase and add up constructively, resulting in a wave with an amplitude of twice the amplitude of the individual waves. Since intensity is proportional to the square of amplitude, the intensity of the resulting wave is four times the intensity of each individual wave.
On the other hand, when the sources are incoherent, the maximum intensity of interference is equal to the intensity of each individual wave. This is because the waves are not in phase and do not add up constructively.