Pre Lab
We have been discussing the particle nature of light through our study of geometric optic. Now we will look at two interesting effects due to the wave nature of light, specifically diffraction and interference.
When waves meet, they interfere with each other producing high points (constructive interference) and low points (destructive interference). The patterns of high and low points are called interference patterns. Light can be made to produce interference patterns which is one reason we know that like has wave properties. We will be producing and analyzing these patterns in lab this week.
In the lab this week we will 1) produce a pattern from light passing through a single slit, 2) produce a pattern from light passing through a double slit, and 3) produce a pattern from light passing through a diffraction grating. Prior to lab please complete the following:
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Diffraction and Interference
A couple videos on Charge and Coulomb's Law:
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Lab Video
Simulation
Explore the simulation embedded at the following links to explore factors regarding diffraction and interference.
Simulations: www.falstad.com/ripple/
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/wave-interference
You may use the simulation to answer the pre lab quiz questions as well.
Pre-Lab Quiz is available at the course Blackboard website
Simulations: www.falstad.com/ripple/
phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/wave-interference
You may use the simulation to answer the pre lab quiz questions as well.
Pre-Lab Quiz is available at the course Blackboard website
Lab
This week you will be completing the Interference and Diffraction lab found your lab manual.
We will be using the optics tables, lasers, and slit apparatus to complete this lab.
We will be using the optics tables, lasers, and slit apparatus to complete this lab.
Post Lab
Please post a reflection on the lab experience on the Interference and Diffraction Lab Reflection discussion board on the course Blackboard site.
Be sure to include:
Be sure to include:
- What you did
- Why you did it
- Any interesting observations
- What you learned from doing the lab