Different size slits in Young's double slit experiment

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SUMMARY

In Young's double slit experiment, varying the size of the slits affects the interference pattern observed on the screen. When one slit is wider than the other, the maxima will increase in intensity, while the minima will not appear as complete dark spots but rather as dim light. A practical approach to analyze this scenario is to treat the wider slit as two separate slits, one matching the width of the narrower slit, which helps in predicting the resulting interference pattern.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave interference principles
  • Familiarity with Young's double slit experiment
  • Basic knowledge of light behavior and diffraction
  • Ability to interpret interference patterns
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the mathematical derivation of interference patterns in Young's double slit experiment
  • Explore the effects of slit width on diffraction and interference
  • Learn about the concept of coherent light sources and their role in interference
  • Investigate advanced topics such as the impact of slit shape on interference patterns
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Physics students, educators, and researchers interested in wave optics and the principles of interference in light phenomena.

Dima Petrukhin
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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
 
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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.
 

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