Different size slits in Young's double slit experiment

In summary, the conversation discusses the effect of having one slit in Young's double slit experiment being bigger than the other. It is suggested that the maxima will rise and the minima will have dim light instead of a dark spot. However, the possibility of this being a homework question is raised and a simple approach of treating the wider slit as two slits is suggested.
  • #1
Dima Petrukhin
10
0
Hi all
I was wondering what happens if one slit in youngs double slit is bigger than the other?
I recon that the of maxima will rise and in minima, there will be no dark spot, but dim light instead. Is that correct? If not can you please explain what happens?
Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Could this be a homework question, by any chance? It sounds like one. (See the thread near the top of the forum thread list)
A simple, approximate approach would be to treat the wider slit as two slits with one slit the same width as the narrow slit, which would produce a 'perfect' set of fringes and then the remaining part of the wide slit will fill in the nulls and slightly alter the shapes of the peaks. Rough and ready but a useful start.
 

1. What is Young's double slit experiment?

The Young's double slit experiment is a classic experiment in the field of optics that demonstrates the wave nature of light. It involves passing light through two closely spaced slits and observing the resulting interference pattern on a screen.

2. How does changing the size of the slits affect the interference pattern in Young's double slit experiment?

Changing the size of the slits affects the interference pattern in two ways. Firstly, larger slits will result in a wider interference pattern, while smaller slits will result in a narrower pattern. Secondly, changing the size of the slits will also affect the intensity or brightness of the pattern, with larger slits producing a brighter pattern and smaller slits producing a dimmer pattern.

3. Can different slit sizes be used in Young's double slit experiment?

Yes, different slit sizes can be used in Young's double slit experiment. In fact, using different slit sizes is a common way to manipulate the interference pattern and observe the effects on the resulting pattern.

4. How does changing the distance between the slits affect the interference pattern in Young's double slit experiment?

Changing the distance between the slits affects the interference pattern by altering the spacing between the bright and dark fringes. As the distance between the slits increases, the distance between the fringes also increases, resulting in a wider interference pattern. Conversely, decreasing the distance between the slits will result in a narrower pattern.

5. What is the significance of using different size slits in Young's double slit experiment?

The use of different size slits in Young's double slit experiment allows for the manipulation of the interference pattern, providing further evidence for the wave nature of light. It also allows for the study of other properties of light, such as diffraction and wavelength, which can be determined by analyzing the interference pattern produced by different slit sizes.

Similar threads

I Single-Slit Diffraction -- Deriving the relation for the minima
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
8
Views
631
I Coherence, Young's double slit experiments.
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
8
Views
14K
I Double slit displaying anti-fringes?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
8
Views
20K
B Slit Distance - Young's Double Slit Experiment
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
1
Views
2K
B Did Thomas Young Misinterpret His Double Slit Experiment Results?
    • Optics
Replies
34
Views
628
B Question re photons/EM waves and the double slit experiment
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
7
Views
1K
I How to improve the accuracy of Young's double slit experiment?
    • Classical Physics
Replies
11
Views
863
I "Wave-particle duality" and double-slit experiment
    • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
36
Views
1K
B Can Fringes Exist with Sine Value Greater Than 1 in Young's Double Slit Formula?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
8
Views
4K
B What are some limitations to Young's Double Slit Experiment?
    • Other Physics Topics
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top