Diffraction and standing waves

Question 1

When does diffraction occur?

Answer 1

When a wave passes through a gap or round an obstacle

Question 2

What are two ways to increase the diffraction of a wave?

Answer 2

Smaller slit width
Longer wavelength

Question 3

Will a smaller slit width and longer wavelength increase or decrease diffraction?

Answer 3

Increase

Question 4

Will a larger slit width and shorter wavelength increase or decrease diffraction?

Answer 4

Decrease

Question 5

Which equation includes slit spacing, the angle of the wave, the order and the wavelength?

Answer 5

d sin(θ) = nλ

Question 6

What is the path difference at the first maximas?

Answer 6

λ

Question 7

At what parts of the fringe is the path difference λ?

Answer 7

The first maximas

Question 8

What is the path difference at the second maximas?

Answer 8

2λ

Question 9

At what parts of the fringe is the path difference 2λ?

Answer 9

The second maximas

Question 10

What is the path difference at the first minimas?

Answer 10

1/2 λ

Question 11

At what parts of the fringe is the path difference 1/2 λ?

Answer 11

The first minimas

Question 12

What ways are there to increase the fringe separation?

Answer 12

Longer wavelength
Smaller slit separation
Longer distance between slits and screen

Question 13

What is the equation for fringe spacing?

Answer 13

w = λD/s

D = distance from slits to screen
s = slit separation

Question 14

How do you increase the diffraction of a wave using a diffraction grating?

Answer 14

Larger rating (slits/m) or smaller slit separation.