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

Unraveling Light's Mystery: Wave, Particle, or Both?

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

Table of content

Summary

Intensity variations in the double-slit interference pattern arise due to diffraction. In the double-slit experiment, both diffraction and interference effects are observed. This occurs because each slit produces its own diffracted beam. When both slits are open, the two diffraction patterns interfere. The combination of diffraction and interference affects the fringe pattern, with suppression of fringes at points where the diffraction equation predicts a minimum.

Intensity variation in double-slit pattern

  • In a double-slit experiment, the light fringes are not of equal brightness.

  • Fringe patterns observed in the lab contain both diffraction and interference effects.

  • The inequality in intensity arises due to diffraction, an effect ignored in the simple analysis.

  • Each slit produces its own diffracted beam.

  • When both slits are open, there is interference between the two diffraction patterns.

  • The combination of diffraction and interference affects the fringe pattern.

    Example: Figure 31(a) shows the predicted variation of intensity without diffraction - constant amplitude, equal spacing. Figure 31(b) shows single-slit diffraction. Figure 31(c) combines diffraction and interference, showing suppression where diffraction predicts a minimum.

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IB Resources
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Physics HL
Physics HL

Theme C - Wave Behaviour

Unraveling Light's Mystery: Wave, Particle, or Both?

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

Table of content

Summary

Intensity variations in the double-slit interference pattern arise due to diffraction. In the double-slit experiment, both diffraction and interference effects are observed. This occurs because each slit produces its own diffracted beam. When both slits are open, the two diffraction patterns interfere. The combination of diffraction and interference affects the fringe pattern, with suppression of fringes at points where the diffraction equation predicts a minimum.

Intensity variation in double-slit pattern

  • In a double-slit experiment, the light fringes are not of equal brightness.

  • Fringe patterns observed in the lab contain both diffraction and interference effects.

  • The inequality in intensity arises due to diffraction, an effect ignored in the simple analysis.

  • Each slit produces its own diffracted beam.

  • When both slits are open, there is interference between the two diffraction patterns.

  • The combination of diffraction and interference affects the fringe pattern.

    Example: Figure 31(a) shows the predicted variation of intensity without diffraction - constant amplitude, equal spacing. Figure 31(b) shows single-slit diffraction. Figure 31(c) combines diffraction and interference, showing suppression where diffraction predicts a minimum.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

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

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