To explain how diffraction happens, lets start with twoslit interference. Pdf interference and diffraction of light are elementary topics in optics. Namely, interference is result of the superposition of the titration of two waves, which are synchronously titrated with some difference in the phase. The diffraction and interference of light is a direct and tangible experiment of the wave properties of light.
The diagram below shows two sets of semicircular wave crests, produced by two slits. In the past there was a big distinction between these two phenomena, among which there are no fundamental differences. Diffraction teachers day handout american physical society. However, i didnt see the second set of the diffraction order at this case. Laser light can burn your eye, causing permanent damage. Diffraction and interference of light lab edited 8. Pdf educational software for interference and optical diffraction. The light fans out like the water through the narrow.
When light passes through a small opening, such as a thin slit in a piece of opaque material, it casts a fuzzy shadow. Interference and diffraction scienceworkshop ex9918 page 2 of 6 written by ann hanks doubleslit interference when interference of light occurs as it passes through two slits, the angle from the central maximum bright spot to the side maxima in the interference pattern is given by d sin. When light passes through an opening that is large compared with the wavelength, it casts a rather sharp shadow. Understanding interference and diffraction patterns through drawing date created. The effects of diffraction of light were first carefully observed and characterized by francesco maria grimaldi, who also coined the term. Since the window mismatches the input wavelength, the high reflection should cause the same problem as i saw for 1064. Phys201 diffraction and interference constructive interference. Diffraction and interference of light date created. The purpose of this activity is to examine the diffraction and interference.
Interference interaction between waves that can either increase their amplitude. Specifically, the software is focused on the simulation of the interference and diffraction of light when it impinges on a screen with thin slits or. Teacher notes on diffraction and interference page 1 of 14. Taking light apart teacher guide this suite of activities provides an opportunity for handson understanding of the phenomenon of diffraction of light. Interference of light physics 204 experiment 5 interference of light. Put up a barrier to explore singleslit diffraction and doubleslit interference.
We discussed diffraction in py105 when we talked about sound waves. Applications of the diffraction and interference of light and electronic. Simulating interference and diffraction in instructional laboratories. To measure the wavelength of light with the double slit young experiment. The analysis of the resulting diffraction pattern from a single slit is similar to what we did for the double slit. Cannot follow the fast cycling of the field detectors measure the effect of many oscillations only interference that persists over many periods is observable. Educational software for interference and optical diffraction.
Write down what you already know about what happens when light passes through. In order to form an interference pattern, the incident light must satisfy two conditions. Make waves with a dripping faucet, audio speaker, or laser. Add a second source to create an interference pattern. The wave model of light explains diffraction and interference. Diffraction is a process that a wave undergoes when it encounters an. Request pdf applications of the diffraction and interference of light and electronic waves as part of a nsf sponsored program, called stairstep, at lamar.
Astronomers use diffraction of light to disperse or spread out colors of light from astronomical light sources into a spectrum. By referring to this lesson, you can learn more about. The purpose of this activity is to examine the diffraction and interference patterns that occur when monochromatic laser light passes through difference combinations of apertures. Then use the coordinates tool to measure the position of the dark spot right to the left. Diffraction and interference are two phenomena based on the principle of superposition of waves. Students often have difficulty understanding how interference and. Experiment with diffraction through elliptical, rectangular, or irregular apertures. Interference of light waves similar to interference of water waves.
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