Diffraction Flashcards
1
Q
Diffraction
A
The change in direction of waves as they pass through gaps and around obstacles
2
Q
What does Huygen’s Construction show?
A
The position of a wave front given the initial position of a wave
3
Q
How does Huygen’s Construction work?
A
Every point is considered a wavelet that spreads out in a circle at the initial position at the same speed
New position is found from the line joining all the wavelets
4
Q
Diffraction Grating
A
A slide on which very closely spaced lines have been drawn
5
Q
Why can spots be seen from a diffraction grating?
A
Constructive interference, so waves are in phase
6
Q
Why can dark patches be seen from a diffraction grating?
A
Destructive interference, waves are out of phase by half a wavelength
