Go to http://phet.colorado.edu/simulations/sims.php?sim=Wave_Interference and cl

Question

Go to

http://phet.colorado.edu/simulations/sims.php?sim=Wave_Interference

and click on Run Now.

Introduction: When waves momentarily overlap, they temporarily add their amplitudes without affecting the original waves. This interference can be seen when two wave sources are used and their overlaps viewed. You will view this phenomenon in parts I and II of this lab. When a wave strikes a barrier, some of the energy will bend around the barrier and spread out. This is known as diffraction. In part three of the lab, you will view the results of splitting a single wave source with a narrow slit, and then observe as the new waves created at the slit interfere. The interference pattern that results is symmetrical. The bands of constructive interference are referred to as maxima (single=maximum).

Important Formulas:

Please note that many texts use n to represent the nth maximum from the central maximum. The College Board has chosen to use m, I suspect so as not to be confused with index of refraction.

Procedure: PheT Simulations

Explanation / Answer

w=D*lambda/d (w=width of fringes,lambda=wavelength of light source,d=distance between slits,D=distance between screen and sorce)

What effect does amplitude have on the maxima separation in the interference pattern? - none

What effect does source spacing have on the maxima separation in the interference pattern? - increase in spaces reduces the spacing

What effect does wavelength have on the maxima separation in the interference pattern? - wavelength increases than separation increases

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse G
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.