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Introduction
Double slit interference using lasers
Measurement of Wavelength
Diffraction Gratings
Questions
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Claire McIntyre, Maghull High School
Paul Berry, Andrew Green, MATTER Project
Two set of waves (such as light) can combine with each other to produce a resultant
wave. The way in which this combined wave is produced is called interference.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this module you should be able to:
 | explain the principle of superposition for light waves (electromagnetic radiation); |
| explain the terms constructive and destructive interference; |
| describe the apparatus used in a Young's Double Slit experiment; |
| distinguish between the terms monochromatic, coherent and incoherent radiation; |
| use the Young's Double Slit experiment to determine the wavelength of monochromatic
light; |
| derive the Young's Double Slit formula, and use it to explain how the appearance of
fringes on a screen is affected by:
 | wavelength of light, l; |
| slit separation, s; |
| slit width, b; |
| slit to screen distance, D; and |
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| explain why a diffraction grating is better than a double slit arrangement for measuring
the wavelength of monochromatic light. |
Assumed prior knowledge
It is assumed that you have knowledge of the following concepts:
| the wave theory of light; |
| the terms wavelength and electromagnetic radiation; and |
| basic trigonometry, i.e. sines, cosines and tangents of angles. |
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