Laser light differs from ordinary light mainly in that it is

  • A. faster
  • B. monochromatic, coherent and highly directional
  • C. always more intense at every wavelength
  • D. invisible

Explanation

A single transition supplies essentially one wavelength, stimulated emission keeps the waves in phase, and the resonant cavity makes the beam nearly parallel, which is why it can be focused to a very small spot. All light travels at the same speed in a vacuum, so speed is never the difference. These properties are what make lasers useful in surgery, fibre optics and CD players.

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