Diffraction - Young Double-Slit Expt

What is Diffraction?

The bending of waves around obstacles or through openings
It occurs for all types of waves, including light and sound waves
Diffraction causes wave interference, leading to patterns of light and dark regions

Path difference between the two waves must be an integer multiple of the wavelength Example: Constructive interference occurs at point P on the screen if the path difference (Δx) between the two waves is an integer multiple of the wavelength (λ).

Path difference between the two waves must be a half-integer multiple of the wavelength Example: Destructive interference occurs at point Q on the screen if the path difference (Δx) between the two waves is a half-integer multiple of the wavelength (λ).

Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings
The Young double-slit experiment demonstrates the wave-like nature of light
Constructive interference occurs when the path difference is an integer multiple of the wavelength
Destructive interference occurs when the path difference is a half-integer multiple of the wavelength

Waves must have the same wavelength (λ)
Waves must be out of phase (peak aligns with trough)
Path difference between the two waves must be a half-integer multiple of the wavelength
Destructive interference provides dark regions on the screen
The dark regions occur when the waves cancel each other out

Path difference (Δx) = d * sinθ
For constructive interference, Δx = m * λ (where m is an integer)
For destructive interference, Δx = (m + 0.5) * λ (where m is an integer)
θ is the angle between the central maximum and the point on the screen
d is the slit separation Example: At an angle of 45 degrees, the path difference between two waves with a slit separation of 0.1 mm and a wavelength of 600 nm can be calculated using the equation.

Slit separation (d) = 0.1 mm
Wavelength of light (λ) = 600 nm
Angle (θ) = 45 degrees
Path difference (Δx) = d * sinθ
Path difference = (0.1 * 10^(-3)) * sin(45 degrees)
Calculate the value of the path difference Example: For the given values, the path difference can be calculated as follows:

Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings
The Young double-slit experiment demonstrates the wave-like nature of light
Constructive interference occurs when the path difference is an integer multiple of the wavelength
Destructive interference occurs when the path difference is a half-integer multiple of the wavelength
The interference pattern results from the superposition of waves from the two slits
The pattern consists of bright and dark regions on the screen

Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings.
The Young double-slit experiment demonstrates the wave-like nature of light.
Constructive interference occurs when the path difference is an integer multiple of the wavelength, resulting in bright regions on the screen.
Destructive interference occurs when the path difference is a half-integer multiple of the wavelength, resulting in dark regions on the screen.
The interference pattern is a result of the superposition of waves from the two slits.
The pattern can be observed on a screen placed behind the slits.
Understanding interference in the Young double-slit experiment is crucial for comprehending the wave-particle duality of light.