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 Secrets Of Multiple-Slit Interference

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

Table of content

Hey there, budding physicist! Today, we're diving into the world of multiple-slit interference. Don't worry, we'll break it down into bite-sized, easy-to-understand chunks. Get ready to uncover the mystery behind the fringes and slits!

What is multiple-slit interference?

When light passes through multiple slits, it creates an interference pattern on a screen placed behind the slits. The bright bands in the pattern are called interference fringes. This phenomenon becomes particularly intriguing when there are more than two slits involved.

Effects of increasing the number of slits

You'll notice two things when we increase the number of illuminated slits with constant spacing between any two adjacent slits

  • The bright fringes stay put but become sharper (they get narrower).
  • The intensity of the bright fringes goes up. In fact, the intensity is directly proportional to the square of the number of slits (N²).

For example, if you have a three-slit pattern, the bright fringe should be 9 times more intense compared to the double-slit pattern. And if it's a five-slit pattern, the bright fringe should be 25 times more intense!

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IB Resources
Theme C - Wave Behaviour
Physics HL
Physics HL

Theme C - Wave Behaviour

Unlocking The Secrets Of Multiple-Slit Interference

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

Table of content

Hey there, budding physicist! Today, we're diving into the world of multiple-slit interference. Don't worry, we'll break it down into bite-sized, easy-to-understand chunks. Get ready to uncover the mystery behind the fringes and slits!

What is multiple-slit interference?

When light passes through multiple slits, it creates an interference pattern on a screen placed behind the slits. The bright bands in the pattern are called interference fringes. This phenomenon becomes particularly intriguing when there are more than two slits involved.

Effects of increasing the number of slits

You'll notice two things when we increase the number of illuminated slits with constant spacing between any two adjacent slits

  • The bright fringes stay put but become sharper (they get narrower).
  • The intensity of the bright fringes goes up. In fact, the intensity is directly proportional to the square of the number of slits (N²).

For example, if you have a three-slit pattern, the bright fringe should be 9 times more intense compared to the double-slit pattern. And if it's a five-slit pattern, the bright fringe should be 25 times more intense!

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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