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Question
(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.
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Solution
Expression for Fringe Width in Young’s Double-Slit Experiment
Let S1 and S2 be two slits separated by a distance d. `GG'` is the screen at a distance D from the slits S1and S2. Point C is equidistant from both the slits. The intensity of light will be maximum at this point because the path difference of the waves reaching this point will be zero.
At point P, the path difference between the rays coming from the slits is given by
S1= S2P − S1P
Now, S1 S2 = d, EF = d, and S2F = D
In ΔS2PF,
`S_2P=[S_2F^2+PF^2]^(1/2)`
`S_2P=[D2+(x+d/2)^2]^(1/2)`
`=D[1+(x+d/2)^2/D^2]^(1/2)`
Similarly, in ΔS1PE
`S_1P=D[1+(x-d/2)^2/D^2]^(1/2)`
`:.S_2P-S_1P=D[1+1/2(x+d/2)^2/D^2)]-D[1+1/2(x-d/2)^2/D^2]`
On expanding it binomially, we get
`S_2P-S_1P=1/(2D)[4xd/2]=(xd)/D`
For constructive interference, the path difference is an integral multiple of wavelengths, that is, path difference is nλ.
`:.nlambda=(xd)/D`
`x=(nlambdaD)/d`
where n = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, …
Similarly, for destructive interference,
`x_n=(2n-1)lambda/2D/d`
Graph of Intensity Distribution in Young’s Double-Slit Experiment
(ii) On comparing the interference pattern observed in Young's double slit experiment (interference) with single-slit diffraction pattern (diffraction), we can have three distinguishing features:
In the interference pattern, all the bright fringes have the same intensity. In a diffraction pattern, all the bright fringes are not of the same intensity
In the interference pattern, the dark fringe has zero or very small intensity so that the bright and dark fringes can easily be distinguished. In diffraction pattern, all the dark fringes are not of zero intensity
In the interference pattern, the widths of all the fringes are almost the same, whereas in diffraction pattern, the fringes are of different widths
RELATED QUESTIONS
Write three characteristic features to distinguish between the interference fringes in Young's double slit experiment and the diffraction pattern obtained due to a narrow single slit.
In Young's double slit experiment, derive the condition for
(i) constructive interference and
(ii) destructive interference at a point on the screen.
In Young’s experiment interference bands were produced on a screen placed at 150 cm from two slits, 0.15 mm apart and illuminated by the light of wavelength 6500 Å. Calculate the fringe width.
White coherent light (400 nm-700 nm) is sent through the slits of a Young's double slit experiment (see the following figure). The separation between the slits is 0⋅5 mm and the screen is 50 cm away from the slits. There is a hole in the screen at a point 1⋅0 mm away (along the width of the fringes) from the central line. (a) Which wavelength(s) will be absent in the light coming from the hole? (b) Which wavelength(s) will have a strong intensity?
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.
In Young's double-slit experiment, the two slits are separated by a distance of 1.5 mm, and the screen is placed 1 m away from the plane of the slits. A beam of light consisting of two wavelengths of 650 nm and 520 nm is used to obtain interference fringes.
Find the distance of the third bright fringe for λ = 520 nm on the screen from the central maximum.
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"If the slits in Young's double slit experiment are identical, then intensity at any point on the screen may vary between zero and four times to the intensity due to single slit".
Justify the above statement through a relevant mathematical expression.
Draw the intensity distribution as function of phase angle when diffraction of light takes place through coherently illuminated single slit.
In Young's double slit experiment the two slits are 0.6 mm distance apart. Interference pattern is observed on a screen at a distance 80 cm from the slits. The first dark fringe is observed on the screen directly opposite to one of the slits. The wavelength of light will be ______ nm.
