Need help understanding ray optics question

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on a ray optics question regarding the behavior of light passing through a slit and an aperture. The conclusion is that the answer is C, as the aperture effectively blocks all light except for the straight rays that pass through the slit, which does not create an interference pattern due to the lack of coherence. The mention of the lamp bulb's horizontal shape is significant, as it influences the appearance of the light on the screen, resembling a point source.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of ray optics principles
  • Knowledge of light coherence and diffraction
  • Familiarity with the concept of apertures and slits in optics
  • Basic knowledge of light sources and their characteristics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of light coherence and its impact on interference patterns
  • Research the effects of aperture size on light behavior in ray optics
  • Learn about diffraction patterns produced by different slit widths
  • Examine the characteristics of various light sources, including point sources
USEFUL FOR

Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in the principles of light behavior in optical systems.

Woah_Moses
Messages
2
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


http://i.imgur.com/q6EaspT.png
2. The attempt at a solution
why is the answer C? shouldn't the aperture in front of the screen create a shadow that blocks all the light except the rays that go through slit? (the width of the slit is >>>1mm so it won't make a diffraction pattern.)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You will get diffraction through the slit but no interference pattern because the light is not coherent.
 
The answer is C , BECAUSE the aperature blocks all light except the (straight, essentially not diffracted) rays that pass thru the slit.
Did you notice that the lamp bulb was horizontally long (rather than tall)?
[that is, what would a "point source" look like on the screen? ...]
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
6K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K