Covering 1 slit in Young's double slit experiment

Thread starter Tulatalu
Start date Feb 23, 2015
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Double slit Double slit experiment Experiment Slit Young's double slit

In summary, covering one of the slits in Young's double slit experiment significantly alters the interference pattern, as the waves from both slits are necessary for the pattern to appear. When the covered slit is opened again, the interference pattern reappears. Using only one slit and blocking the other will not produce the same results, as the interference pattern relies on the interaction of waves from both slits. The width of the covered slit does not affect the interference pattern, but other factors such as the distance between the slits and the screen, the distance between the slits, the wavelength of the light, and any obstructions in the path of the light waves can also impact the interference pattern.

Feb 23, 2015

Tulatalu

What happens if we cover 1 slit in the experiment? Will it become a single slit experiment?

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Feb 23, 2015

blue_leaf77

Science Advisor

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Yes it will.

1. How does covering 1 slit affect the interference pattern in Young's double slit experiment?

When one of the slits in Young's double slit experiment is covered, the interference pattern is significantly altered. This is because the interference pattern is created by the waves from both slits interacting with each other. With only one slit, there is no interference and a single bright spot is seen on the screen.

2. What happens when the covered slit is opened again?

When the covered slit is opened again, the interference pattern will reappear. This is because the waves from both slits are now able to interact with each other again, creating the interference pattern on the screen.

3. Can the same results be achieved by only using one slit and blocking the other?

No, the same results cannot be achieved by only using one slit and blocking the other. This is because the interference pattern is created by the waves from both slits interacting with each other. Blocking one of the slits completely prevents this interaction and no interference pattern will be seen on the screen.

4. How does the width of the covered slit affect the interference pattern?

The width of the covered slit does not affect the interference pattern in Young's double slit experiment. As long as the width of the slit is small enough to allow for diffraction, the interference pattern will still be present on the screen.

5. What other factors can affect the interference pattern in Young's double slit experiment?

Aside from covering one of the slits, the distance between the slits, the distance between the slits and the screen, and the wavelength of the light used can also affect the interference pattern in Young's double slit experiment. The interference pattern will also change if the slits are not parallel or if there is any obstruction in the path of the light waves.