5.7 Diffraction & Interferencs

Question 1

Diffraction

Answer 1

The spreading out of a wave as it passes a corner or through an opening. If light is a wave it should diffract.

Question 2

Wave interference

Answer 2

Occurs when two or more waves pass each other and super impose to produce a new wave of different amplitude.

Question 3

Young’s apparatus

Answer 3

Maxima are bright areas called bright fringes

Minima are dark areas

Alternating bright and dark lines are projected onto the screen

Double slit

Question 4

Maxima

Answer 4

Bright bands, constructive interference

Question 5

Minima

Answer 5

Dark bands, destructive interference

Question 6

Diffraction Gratings

Answer 6

Multiple slits

Bright maxima are sharper and better for measuring wavelength

The angle of diffraction depends on wavelength

If light of multiple wavelengths is used, the grating sorts out the wavelengths and produces a spectrum