Physics HL
Physics HL
5
Chapters
329
Notes
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Theme A - Space, Time & Motion
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Theme B - The Particulate Nature Of Matter
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Theme D - Fields
Theme D - Fields
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
Theme E - Nuclear & Quantum Physics
IB Resources
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Physics HL
Physics HL

Theme C - Wave Behaviour

Unlocking The Double-Slit Equation: A Deep Dive Into Wave Interference

Word Count Emoji
645 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Overview

The double-slit equation is used to model the distance between adjacent fringes (bright or dark bands) in an interference pattern, known as fringe spacing. In this interference phenomenon, waves are created when light, sound, or other waves pass through two slits and create an interference pattern on a screen.

Key terms

  • d: Slit spacing (the distance between the two slits)
  • λ: Wavelength of the wave
  • D: Distance between the slits and the screen
  • s: Fringe spacing (the distance between two neighboring bright fringes)

Main equation

The double-slit interference equation is derived from trigonometry and is given by

s ≈ \(\frac {λD​}{d}\)

Note
This equation is an approximation and is valid only when the wavelength of the light and the slit separation are much smaller than the distance from the slit to the screen. In a typical demonstration of Young's slits using light, d will be of the order of a millimeter, while D will be of the order of meters.

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IB Resources
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Physics HL
Physics HL

Theme C - Wave Behaviour

Unlocking The Double-Slit Equation: A Deep Dive Into Wave Interference

Word Count Emoji
645 words
Reading Time Emoji
4 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

Overview

The double-slit equation is used to model the distance between adjacent fringes (bright or dark bands) in an interference pattern, known as fringe spacing. In this interference phenomenon, waves are created when light, sound, or other waves pass through two slits and create an interference pattern on a screen.

Key terms

  • d: Slit spacing (the distance between the two slits)
  • λ: Wavelength of the wave
  • D: Distance between the slits and the screen
  • s: Fringe spacing (the distance between two neighboring bright fringes)

Main equation

The double-slit interference equation is derived from trigonometry and is given by

s ≈ \(\frac {λD​}{d}\)

Note
This equation is an approximation and is valid only when the wavelength of the light and the slit separation are much smaller than the distance from the slit to the screen. In a typical demonstration of Young's slits using light, d will be of the order of a millimeter, while D will be of the order of meters.

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Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Physics HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟

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