Single slit interference and Diffraction Grating

AI Thread Summary
Covering one slit in a double slit interference experiment results in fewer bright fringes and reduced intensity of those fringes, effectively transforming the setup into a single slit experiment. In a diffraction grating setup, replacing the grating with a double slit leads to a change in the interference pattern, specifically a decrease in the number of observable maxima and a broader central maximum. The overall pattern becomes less defined compared to the sharp peaks produced by the grating. The discussion emphasizes the relationship between single and double slit experiments and their impact on interference patterns. Understanding these changes is crucial for grasping fundamental concepts in wave optics.
elemis
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Lets say I have a double slit interference experiment set up. Now if I cover one slit what CHANGES would be observed ?

I know I would see fewer bright fringes and that the intensity of the bright fringes would fall. Is there anything else ?In a different scenario I have a diffraction grating setup. Let's say replace the grating with a double slit setup. What changes would be observed ?EDIT : In each case I am interested in changes to the interference patterns. Two observations for each would be helpful.
 
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Here's a video (kiddy version, but does the job) explaining the double and single slit experiments.

Also, if you have a double slit experiment and cover 1 slit, you get a single slit experiment. Vice versa.
What are you asking?
 
Bloodthunder said:
Here's a video (kiddy version, but does the job) explaining the double and single slit experiments.

Also, if you have a double slit experiment and cover 1 slit, you get a single slit experiment. Vice versa.
What are you asking?

What I am asking is in the above scenarios what changes would one observe in the interference patterns ?
 
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