1. Describe how Huygens's principle may be used to explain the phenomenon of diffraction.

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4:09 O
Physics 12
• Light diffracts when it passes through a gap similar
dimensions to the wavelength of the wave.
Two sources of coherent light may superpose and form an
interference pattern.
• An interference pattern is the result of a path difference and
so a phase difference between different rays of light.
• For constructive superposition, path difference = n), and for
destructive superposition, path difference = (n + 2)A.
• The interference pattern produced by a double slit comprises
of a series of equal width maxima and minima known as
fringes.
• The interference pattern produced by a single slit comprises
a wide central maximum (twice the width of subsequent
maxima) with minima either side.
• Thin film interference is due to the interference of light
waves refecting off the top surface of a film with those that
have reflected off the bottom surface of the film.
Review questions
1. Describe how Huygens's principle may be used to explain the
phenomenon of diffraction.
2. Explain how an interference pattern may be formed from two
coherent sources of light.
3. Explain the meanings of the terms path difference and phase
difference and relate them to the interference pattern produced
by a double slit.
4. Describe the similarities and differences between the
interference pattern produced by a double slit and the pattern
produced by a single slit.
Grade 12
UNIT 3: Wave optics
3.5 Young's double slit
for fringe width
By the end of this section yo
Transcribed Image Text:4:09 O Physics 12 • Light diffracts when it passes through a gap similar dimensions to the wavelength of the wave. Two sources of coherent light may superpose and form an interference pattern. • An interference pattern is the result of a path difference and so a phase difference between different rays of light. • For constructive superposition, path difference = n), and for destructive superposition, path difference = (n + 2)A. • The interference pattern produced by a double slit comprises of a series of equal width maxima and minima known as fringes. • The interference pattern produced by a single slit comprises a wide central maximum (twice the width of subsequent maxima) with minima either side. • Thin film interference is due to the interference of light waves refecting off the top surface of a film with those that have reflected off the bottom surface of the film. Review questions 1. Describe how Huygens's principle may be used to explain the phenomenon of diffraction. 2. Explain how an interference pattern may be formed from two coherent sources of light. 3. Explain the meanings of the terms path difference and phase difference and relate them to the interference pattern produced by a double slit. 4. Describe the similarities and differences between the interference pattern produced by a double slit and the pattern produced by a single slit. Grade 12 UNIT 3: Wave optics 3.5 Young's double slit for fringe width By the end of this section yo
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