What Happens to Interference Fringes in Water?

Thread starter whiskey04
Start date Sep 23, 2008
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Constructive interference Interference

In summary, the figure shows the interference pattern obtained in a double-slit experiment with light of wavelength . In Part A, the fringes resulting from the interference of two waves with a phase difference of are identified by the letter(s) entered in alphabetical order. In Part B, when the same experiment is repeated in water with an index of refraction of 1.33, the interference fringes are more closely spaced by a factor of 1.33.

Sep 23, 2008

whiskey04

The figure (Intro 1 figure attatched ) shows the interference pattern obtained in a double-slit experiment with light of wavelength .

PART A
Identify the fringe or fringes that result from the interference of two waves whose phases differ by exactly .
Enter the letter(s) indicating the fringe(s) in alphabetical order. For example, if you think that fringes A and C are both correct, enter AC.

PART B
The same double-slit experiment is then immersed in water (with an index of refraction of 1.33) and repeated. When in the water, what happens to the interference fringes?

They are more closely spaced than in air by a factor of 1.33.
They are more widely spaced than in air by a factor of 1.33.
They are spaced the same as in air.
They are shifted upward.
They are shifted downward.

1. What is constructive interference?

Constructive interference is a phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves of the same frequency meet and their amplitudes add together to produce a larger amplitude. This results in an increase in the overall intensity of the wave.

2. How does constructive interference differ from destructive interference?

While constructive interference results in an increase in amplitude, destructive interference occurs when two waves of the same frequency meet and their amplitudes cancel each other out, resulting in a decrease in overall intensity.

3. What is the principle of superposition and how does it relate to constructive interference?

The principle of superposition states that when multiple waves meet at a given point, the resulting displacement at that point is equal to the sum of the individual displacements of each wave. This principle is what causes constructive interference to occur.

4. What are some real-life examples of constructive interference?

One common example of constructive interference is the interference pattern produced by two overlapping ripples in a pond. Other examples include sound waves produced by multiple speakers and the colors seen in soap bubbles due to the interference of light waves.

5. How is constructive interference used in practical applications?

Constructive interference is utilized in various technologies, such as noise-cancelling headphones and radar systems, to amplify or enhance signals. It is also used in medical imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, to produce clearer images by enhancing the signals received from the body.