Question: Q. 5. (a) Define a wavefront. Using Huygens’ principle, verify the laws of reflection at a plane surface.
(b) In a single slit diffraction experiment, the width of the slit is made double the original width. How does this affect the size and intensity of the central diffraction band ? Explain.
(c) When a tiny circular obstacle is placed in the path of light from a distant source, a bright spot is seen at the centre of the obstacle. Explain why.
[Delhi & OD, 2018]
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Solution:
Ans. (a) Definition of wavefront Verification of laws of reflection
$1 / 2$
(b) Explanation of the effect on the size and intensity of central maxima
$1+1$
(c) Explanation of the bright spot in the shadow of the obstacle
(a) The wavefront may be defined as a surface of constant phase.
[Alternatively : The wave front is the locii of all points that are in the same phase]
Let speed of the wave in the medium be ’ $v$ '
Let the time taken by the wave front, to advance from point $B$ to point $C$ be ’ $\tau$ '
$$ \text { Hence } \quad B C=v \tau $$
Let $C E$ represent the reflected wave front
Distance $\quad A E=v \tau=B C$
$\triangle A E C$ and $\triangle A B C$ are congruent
$$ \angle B A C=\angle E C A $$
$$ \Rightarrow \quad \angle i=\angle r $$
(b) Size of central maxima reduces to half,
$\left(\therefore\right.$ Size of central maxima $\left.=2 \frac{2 \lambda D}{\alpha}\right)$
Intensity increases.
This is because the amount of light, entering the slit, has increased and the area, over which it falls, decreases.
$1 / 2$
(Also accept if the student just writes that the intensity becomes four fold)
(c) This is because of diffraction of light.
[Alternatively : Light gets diffracted by the tiny circular obstacle and reaches the centre of the shadow of the obstacle.]
[Alternatively : There is a maxima, at the centre of the obstacle, in the diffraction pattern produced by it.]
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2018]
AI Q. 6. (i) Derive an expression for path difference in Young’s double slit experiment and obtain the condition for constructive and destructive interference at a point on the screen.
(ii) The intensity at the central maxima in Young’s double slit experiment is $I_{0}$. Find out the intensity at a point where the path difference is $\lambda / 6, \lambda / 4$ and $\lambda / 3$.
U] [OD North 2016]
Ans. (i) Try yourself, Similar to Q. 2 (i) LAT Questions.
(ii) Try yourself, Similar to Q. 2 SAT Questions-I