Concept explainers
Review Question 24.1 Explain why we observe multiple bright bands of light on a screen after light of a particular wavelength passes through two narrow, closely spaced slits.
The reason for the formation of multiple bright bands of light on a screen, when the light having a particular wavelength passes through two narrow closely spaced slits.
Answer to Problem 1RQ
Solution:
The phenomenon of interference of light is responsible for the formation of multiple bright bands.
Explanation of Solution
Introduction:
Every point on a light wave is the source of a circular shaped wavelet that moves in the forward direction with a speed same as that of the wave. A new wave front appears after superposition or interference of wavelets.
Explanation:
The interference pattern of light is observed when light passes through two narrow slits. Light consists of a wave with crests and troughs at equal spacings. When two light waves interact at a point such that two wave crests meet there, they produce constructive interference and a bright band of light appears on the screen. When two wave troughs meet at a point, they produce destructive interference and a dark patch is formed at that point on the screen.
The formation of bright and dark patterns of light gives an interference pattern of light on the screen, and thus, at all those places where light meets constructively, there are multiple bright bands of light on the screen.
Conclusion:
When a light of particular wavelength passes through two narrow closely-spaced slits, a pattern of multiple bright bands of light is formed on the screen because of constructive interference.
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