Educational Background: PhD | Degree in: Physics | School: University S.U.N.Y at Stony Brook | Occupation: Physics Education
Introduction Physics teachers who are either writing physics questions that deal with waves on a string or setting up equipment for a class lab or demo of standing waves on a string might find the following analysis useful. When writing questions for physics tests or homework, it is preferable to use physically plausible values for…
Definition/Summary The double-slit is a simple configuration used to demonstrate interference effects in waves. Equations At distances that are large compared to the spacing between the slits (i.e. the far-field), the interference maxima (bright fringes) occur at angles such that [tex]d \ \sin\theta \ = \ m \ \lambda[/tex] where [tex]\begin{align*}d & = \text{the slit…