College Physics
College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781305952300
Author: Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher: Cengage Learning
Bartleby Related Questions Icon

Related questions

bartleby

Concept explainers

Question

 In the above figure, which shows the pattern of interference fringes for light of wavelength 485 nm passing through two narrow slits, projected onto a screen a distance of 1.81 m away. The distance on the screen between the centers of two adjacent bright fringes is 1.66 cm. What is the distance between the two slits? 

 

**Interference Pattern in Wave Physics**

The image above illustrates a classic interference pattern, often observed in wave physics. This particular pattern is created by the overlapping of two sets of coherent waves, typically light, sound, or water waves. The resulting pattern is characterized by alternating bands of light and dark fringes, indicative of areas of constructive and destructive interference.

**Explanation of the Diagram:**

- **Bright Fringes**: These are areas of constructive interference where the wave crests of the two sets overlap, reinforcing each other and producing a higher intensity of light. This is why these areas appear brighter.

- **Dark Fringes**: These band-like regions represent destructive interference, where the crest of one wave coincides with the trough of another, canceling each other out and resulting in lower intensity or darkness.

- **Gradual Transition**: Between these bright and dark fringes, there is a gradient that represents varying degrees of constructive and destructive interference, showing how the waves transition smoothly between the two extremes.

Such interference patterns are pivotal in understanding wave behavior and properties, and they play a crucial role in technologies such as holography, diffraction grating usage, and the calibration of optical instruments. Learning about these patterns provides insight into the fundamental principles of wave interaction.
expand button
Transcribed Image Text:**Interference Pattern in Wave Physics** The image above illustrates a classic interference pattern, often observed in wave physics. This particular pattern is created by the overlapping of two sets of coherent waves, typically light, sound, or water waves. The resulting pattern is characterized by alternating bands of light and dark fringes, indicative of areas of constructive and destructive interference. **Explanation of the Diagram:** - **Bright Fringes**: These are areas of constructive interference where the wave crests of the two sets overlap, reinforcing each other and producing a higher intensity of light. This is why these areas appear brighter. - **Dark Fringes**: These band-like regions represent destructive interference, where the crest of one wave coincides with the trough of another, canceling each other out and resulting in lower intensity or darkness. - **Gradual Transition**: Between these bright and dark fringes, there is a gradient that represents varying degrees of constructive and destructive interference, showing how the waves transition smoothly between the two extremes. Such interference patterns are pivotal in understanding wave behavior and properties, and they play a crucial role in technologies such as holography, diffraction grating usage, and the calibration of optical instruments. Learning about these patterns provides insight into the fundamental principles of wave interaction.
Expert Solution
Check Mark
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Physics
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:9780133969290
Author:Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:PEARSON
Text book image
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:9781107189638
Author:Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
Text book image
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:9781337553278
Author:Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:9780321820464
Author:Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:Addison-Wesley
Text book image
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio...
Physics
ISBN:9780134609034
Author:Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:PEARSON