Summary notes for the second half of topic 4.4 waves (chapter 12 in the textbook) covering superposition, interference, Young’s double slit experiment, stationary waves and harmonics. Notes include definitions, highlighted key points, diagrams, explanations and break downs of equations
interfere constructively
Minima :
phase difference of an
odd multiple of IT radians ,
so waves meet in antiphase
and interfere destructively
Young double-slit experiment
•
Coherent waves are needed to
form interference pattern
monochromatic
light source ( colour
filter)
narrow slits to diffract light
light diffracted by single slit arrives at
•
double slit in phase
Diffract again at double slit
causing area
of overlap and therefore
•
,
interference .
•
Interference pattern seen on screen -
alternate
bright + dark
regions (fringes
•
Therefore Young , proved that light acts as a wave .
ax
wavelength t.in metres
=
, ,
m
D slit
separation a in metres m
,
, ,
fringe separation x in metres , , ,
on
distance to screen .
D , in metres , m
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