Variable conditions of double slit interference

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effects of changing conditions in a double slit interference experiment using red light. When the screen is moved closer to the slits, the fringe separation (W) decreases due to the inverse relationship with the distance (D) from the slits to the screen, as described by the formula W = (D * Wavelength) / s. Blocking one of the double slits results in a single-slit diffraction pattern, which alters the interference pattern significantly, leading to a wider fringe separation rather than a change in wavelength.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of double slit interference principles
  • Familiarity with the formula W = (D * Wavelength) / s
  • Basic knowledge of wave properties, specifically wavelength
  • Concept of fringe patterns in interference experiments
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the impact of varying slit separation on interference patterns
  • Explore single-slit diffraction and its comparison to double-slit interference
  • Investigate the effects of different wavelengths of light on fringe patterns
  • Learn about experimental setups for double slit experiments
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching wave optics, and anyone interested in the principles of light interference and diffraction.

aurao2003
Messages
122
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Hi
Can anyone help on this. The questions is as follows:

In a double slits experiment using red light, a fringe pattern is observed on a screen at a fixed distance from the double slits. How would the finge pattern change if:

a) The screen is moved closer to the slits
b)one of the double slits is blocked completely.


Homework Equations



a) The standard formula
W= (DX Wavelength)/s
W= Fringe separation
D= distance of slit to the screen
s= distance between centre of the slits




The Attempt at a Solution


I surmised the following:
Since D Represents the distance of the slit from the the screen, it is a proportional relationship to the fringe separation(W). So, if the distance is decreased less spaced.

b)I am not sure of this. Blocking one of the double slits seems to imply a reduced wavelength. Red has one of the longest wavelengths. From the above formula, it seems to suggest the same effect as above. But a part of me is suggesting there is an increased wavelength.

Please!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I have replied to this on TSR
 

Similar threads

Second bright fringe in Young's Experiment
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
HW Question regarding double-slit interference
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Hair/wire laser diffraction interference pattern
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
Diffraction Grating Vs Double-Slit: Small angle Approx.
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
8K
Undergrad Double-dark Slit Interference Pattern?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
Thomas Young's double slit experiment
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
With the info given, what are 3 ways to calculate wavelength?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Number of bright fringes given by diffraction grating on a screen
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Inteference Fringes of Double Slit Experiment in Water
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
High School Double-slit with movable detector screen
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
1K