Particles and Waves Flashcards
Diffraction
Occurs when waves encounter a barrier, and bend around it
Amount of diffraction depends on
Wavelength of the waves
As wavelength increases so too does diffraction
Middle line in an interference pattern
Central maximum
interference waves must be
Coherent
Interference
Is the property which defines wave motion
Constructive interference
Where peaks overlaps with peaks and troughs overlap with troughs
IN PHASE
Destructive interference
When peaks overlap with troughs
OUT OF PHASE
Coherent
Same speed, frequency and wavelength
Constant phase relationship
Path length
Shortest distance between the source and maximum/minimum
Certain number of whole or half wavelengths
Path difference
Mathematical difference between the path lengths
White light and prism
Refraction occurs with a single spectrum of light
ROYHBIV long wavelength refract less than short