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Physics 2nd Semester > Chapter 17.2- The interference of light > Flashcards

Chapter 17.2- The interference of light Flashcards

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1
Q

What is interference?

A

When waves interact

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2
Q

What is constructive interference?

A

When the inference of waves leads to a larger amplitude

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3
Q

What is destructive interference?

A

When the interference of waves leads to a smaller or even zero amplitude

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4
Q

What do we use to create light scenarios where we see diffraction patterns?

A

Very small slits and ray beams

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5
Q

What do we use to create light scenarios where we can see the interference of light?

A

We have to use double slits and a ray of light

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6
Q

What are double slits?

A

Two long narrow slits that are close together. Used to see interference of light

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7
Q

What do double slits do when light is seen through them?

A

The light spreads out behind each slit. The two spreading waves of light overlap in the region between the slits and the screen

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8
Q

Where does constructive interference occur?

A

When the distances between r1 and r2 differ by JUST a WHOLE NUMBER of wavelengths

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9
Q

Where does destructive interference occur?

A

When the distances between r1 and r2 differ by a whole number of wavelengths AND A HALF

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10
Q

What is m

A

m is just an integer used to measure the difference of wavelengths

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11
Q

What will we see for constructive interference?

A

The intensity of light to be high

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12
Q

What will we see for destructive interference?

A

For these positions on the screen to be completely dark

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13
Q

What are interference fringes?

A

A series of alternating bright and dark bands

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14
Q

What is the central maximum?

A

When m = 0 and it is the brightest fringe. It is the midpoint of the viewing screen.

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15
Q

Geometry of the double-slit interference:

What is d

A

The spacing between the two slits

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16
Q

Geometry of the double-slit interference:

what is L

A

The distance to the viewing screen

17
Q

Geometry of the double-slit interference:

What do we assume in relation between L and d

A

We assume that L is MUCH LARGER than d

18
Q

Geometry of the double-slit interference:

How do we calculate change in r besides the obvious way

A

Multiply the integer thing, m, by lambda. IF ITS CONSTRUCTIVE INTERFERENCE.

19
Q

Geometry of the double-slit interference:

How do we find the specific positions not the screen where constructive interference occurs and change in r = m(lamda)

A

Y = L tan theta

20
Q

Geometry of the double-slit interference:

What is P

A

The distance of r1 from one slit and r2 from the other slit

21
Q

Geometry of the double-slit interference:

How can we calculate point P

A

By either finding y or by finding angle theta

22
Q

Geometry of the double-slit interference:

What is y

A

Distance from the center of the viewing screen

23
Q

Geometry of the double-slit interference:

How can we find y

A

y = L tan theta

y = (m lambda L / d )

24
Q

Geometry of the double-slit interference:

Because the screen is very far away compared to the distance between the two slits what are the two things we can assume

A
  1. That the two paths to point P are virtually parallel

2. Because they are parallel, we can make a small right triangle who has angle theta

25
Q

Geometry of the double-slit interference:

What is the path length difference between the two waves

A

The short side of the small right triangle.

26
Q

Geometry of the double-slit interference:

What is theta m

A

Angle theta of bright fringes

27
Q

Geometry of the double-slit interference:

What is y’m

A

The mth minimum

28
Q

Geometry of the double-slit interference:

What is ym

A

The mth maximum

29
Q

Geometry of the double-slit interference:

What did you get confused about on example 17.2

A

I thought that when it said a bright fringe is observed at 9.5 mm that it was r1. But it wasn’t I needed to plug it into equation 17.8 for bright fringes

Physics 2nd Semester (9 decks)

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