Interference (Young's experiment) and an adhesive tape

In summary, the addition of adhesive tape with a 1mm thickness and an index of 1.5 to one of the slits in a Young's experiment arrangement with a 500nm light beam and a distance of 1m between the slits and the screen will change the interference pattern due to the altered optical path length difference between the two paths.
  • #1
zimo
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Homework Statement


At a young's experiment arrangement, there is a 500nm light beam, a distance of 1m from the slits to the screen and a 0.25mm between the two slits
In what way the interference pattern will change if an adhesive tape is being taped to one of the slits with a 1mm thickness and an index of 1.5 (diffraction can be left out of the calculation)

Homework Equations


Xmax = nD[Lambda]/d

The Attempt at a Solution



The problem is presented in a general way, I can't find out what is the point of the adhesive tape addition to the problem.
Can anyone please give a clarification and a possible direction?
 
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  • #2
Interference depends on the optical path length difference between two paths. Optical path length depends on the index of refraction of the material that the light is passing through, so adding tape increases this path length for one path but not the other. This changes the interference pattern.
 

What is interference in Young's experiment?

Interference is a phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves of the same frequency interact with each other. In Young's experiment, it refers to the pattern of light and dark fringes that are produced when a single light source is split into two beams and then recombined.

How does an adhesive tape affect the interference pattern in Young's experiment?

An adhesive tape can be used to modify the path length of one of the beams of light in Young's experiment. This changes the phase difference between the two beams, resulting in a different interference pattern. The tape can also introduce additional reflections and diffraction, which can further alter the interference pattern.

What is the purpose of using an adhesive tape in Young's experiment?

The use of an adhesive tape allows for the manipulation of the interference pattern, providing a way to study the properties of light. By altering the path length of one beam, the interference pattern can be modified and studied, providing insights into the nature of light.

How does the distance between the adhesive tape and the light source affect the interference pattern?

The distance between the adhesive tape and the light source can impact the interference pattern in several ways. It can affect the path length difference between the two beams, which changes the phase difference and alters the interference pattern. It can also introduce additional reflections and diffraction, resulting in a more complex interference pattern.

Can interference still occur in Young's experiment without using an adhesive tape?

Yes, interference can still occur in Young's experiment without using an adhesive tape. The use of the tape is just one way to manipulate the interference pattern, but it is not necessary for interference to occur. The interference pattern can also be altered by changing the distance between the light source and the screen, or by using different types of materials for the slits or screen.

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