Interference of Light Waves and Young's Double-Slit Experiment
Interference of Light Waves
Interference refers to the phenomenon in which two or more light waves superpose to form a
resultant
wave of greater, lesser, or the same amplitude. This occurs when the light waves meet at the same
point in space.
Principle of Superposition
When two or more waves overlap, the resultant displacement at any point is the algebraic sum of
the
displacements of the individual waves.
y_resultant = y1 + y2
- Constructive interference: Occurs when waves are in phase (phase difference = 0 degrees, 360
degrees, ...),
leading to an increased amplitude.
- Destructive interference: Occurs when waves are out of phase (phase difference = 180 degrees,
540 degrees, ...),
leading to a decreased or zero amplitude.
Young's Double-Slit Experiment
This experiment, performed by Thomas Young in 1801, demonstrated the wave nature of light by
showing
interference patterns.
Interference of Light Waves
Interference refers to the phenomenon in which two or more light waves superpose to form a
resultant
wave of greater, lesser, or the same amplitude. This occurs when the light waves meet at the same
point in space.
Principle of Superposition
When two or more waves overlap, the resultant displacement at any point is the algebraic sum of
the
displacements of the individual waves.
y_resultant = y1 + y2
- Constructive interference: Occurs when waves are in phase (phase difference = 0 degrees, 360
degrees, ...),
leading to an increased amplitude.
- Destructive interference: Occurs when waves are out of phase (phase difference = 180 degrees,
540 degrees, ...),
leading to a decreased or zero amplitude.
Young's Double-Slit Experiment
This experiment, performed by Thomas Young in 1801, demonstrated the wave nature of light by
showing
interference patterns.
