Advertisements
Advertisements
Question
Consider a two-slit interference arrangement (Figure) such that the distance of the screen from the slits is half the distance between the slits. Obtain the value of D in terms of λ such that the first minima on the screen falls at a distance D from the centre O.

Advertisements
Solution
Young's experiment to show interference of light passing through two slits. A pattern of bright and dark areas appears on the screen (as shown in figure (i)).


The condition for destructive interference is `Δx = S_2P - S_1P +- ((2n - 1)/2)lambda` where n = 1, 2, ...
For nth minima to be formed on the screen path difference (Δx) between the rays coming from S1 and S2 must be `((2n - 1)/2)lambda`
The minima will occur when `Δx = S_2P - S_1P = ((2n - 1)/2)lambda` ......(i)

From the given figure,
`S_1P = sqrt((S_1T_1)^2 + (PT_1)^2) = sqrt(D^2 + (D - x)^2)`
And `S_2P = sqrt((S_2T_2)^2 + (T_2P^2)) = sqrt(D^2 + (D + x)^2)`
`T_2P = T_2O + OP = D + x`
And `T_1P = T_1O - OP = D - x`
Hence, `[D^2 + (D + x)^2]^(-1/2) - [D^2 + (D - x)^2]^(1/2) = lambda/2` ......[For first minima n = 1]
If `x = D`
We can write, `[D^2 + 4D^2]^(-1/2) - [D^2 + 0]^(1/2) = lambda/2`
⇒ `[5D^2]^(1/2) - [D^2 + 0]^(1/2) = lambda/2`
⇒ `sqrt(5)D - D = lambda/2` or `D = lambda/(2sqrt(5) - 1)` = 0.404 λ
APPEARS IN
RELATED QUESTIONS
(i) In Young's double-slit experiment, deduce the condition for (a) constructive and (b) destructive interferences at a point on the screen. Draw a graph showing variation of intensity in the interference pattern against position 'x' on the screen.
(b) Compare the interference pattern observed in Young's double-slit experiment with single-slit diffraction pattern, pointing out three distinguishing features.
In Young's double slit experiment, plot a graph showing the variation of fringe width versus the distance of the screen from the plane of the slits keeping other parameters same. What information can one obtain from the slope of the curve?
What is the effect on the fringe width if the distance between the slits is reduced keeping other parameters same?
Using monochromatic light of wavelength λ in Young’s double slit experiment, the eleventh dark fringe is obtained on the screen for a phase difference of ______.
If one of two identical slits producing interference in Young’s experiment is covered with glass, so that the light intensity passing through it is reduced to 50%, find the ratio of the maximum and minimum intensity of the fringe in the interference pattern.
Two coherent sources of light having intensity ratio 81 : 1 produce interference fringes. Calculate the ratio of intensities at the maxima and minima in the interference pattern.
If the separation between the slits in a Young's double slit experiment is increased, what happens to the fringe-width? If the separation is increased too much, will the fringe pattern remain detectable?
In a Young's double slit experiment, two narrow vertical slits placed 0.800 mm apart are illuminated by the same source of yellow light of wavelength 589 nm. How far are the adjacent bright bands in the interference pattern observed on a screen 2.00 m away?
A double slit S1 − S2 is illuminated by a coherent light of wavelength \[\lambda.\] The slits are separated by a distance d. A plane mirror is placed in front of the double slit at a distance D1 from it and a screen ∑ is placed behind the double slit at a distance D2 from it (see the following figure). The screen ∑ receives only the light reflected by the mirror. Find the fringe-width of the interference pattern on the screen.
Consider the arrangement shown in the figure. The distance D is large compared to the separation d between the slits.
- Find the minimum value of d so that there is a dark fringe at O.
- Suppose d has this value. Find the distance x at which the next bright fringe is formed.
- Find the fringe-width.

In a Young's double slit experiment, \[\lambda = 500\text{ nm, d = 1.0 mm and D = 1.0 m.}\] Find the minimum distance from the central maximum for which the intensity is half of the maximum intensity.
What should be the path difference between two waves reaching a point for obtaining constructive interference in Young’s Double Slit experiment ?
Draw a neat labelled diagram of Young’s Double Slit experiment. Show that `beta = (lambdaD)/d` , where the terms have their usual meanings (either for bright or dark fringe).
Write the conditions on path difference under which constructive interference occurs in Young’s double-slit experiment.
Wavefront is ______.
ASSERTION (A): In an interference pattern observed in Young's double slit experiment, if the separation (d) between coherent sources as well as the distance (D) of the screen from the coherent sources both are reduced to 1/3rd, then new fringe width remains the same.
REASON (R): Fringe width is proportional to (d/D).
A slit of width 0.6 mm is illuminated by a beam of light consisting of two wavelengths 600 nm and 480 nm. The diffraction pattern is observed on a screen 1.0 m from the slit. Find:
- The distance of the second bright fringe from the central maximum pertaining to the light of 600 nm.
- The least distance from the central maximum at which bright fringes due to both wavelengths coincide.
A beam of light consisting of two wavelengths 600 nm and 500 nm is used in Young's double slit experiment. The silt separation is 1.0 mm and the screen is kept 0.60 m away from the plane of the slits. Calculate:
- the distance of the second bright fringe from the central maximum for wavelength 500 nm, and
- the least distance from the central maximum where the bright fringes due to both wavelengths coincide.
The maximum number of possible interference maxima for slit-separation equal to twice the wavelength in Young's double-slit experiment is ______.
In Young’s double slit experiment, how is interference pattern affected when the following changes are made:
- Slits are brought closer to each other.
- Screen is moved away from the slits.
- Red coloured light is replaced with blue coloured light.
