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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
In Young’s experiment, the ratio of intensity at the maxima and minima in an interference
pattern is 36 : 9. What will be the ratio of the intensities of two interfering waves?
A parallel beam of light of wavelength 500 nm falls on a narrow slit and the resulting diffraction pattern is observed on a screen 1 m away. It is observed that the first minimum is a distance of 2.5 mm away from the centre. Find the width of the slit.
Write two characteristics features distinguish the diffractions pattern from the interference fringes obtained in Young’s double slit experiment.
A Young's double slit experiment is performed with white light.
(a) The central fringe will be white.
(b) There will not be a completely dark fringe.
(c) The fringe next to the central will be red.
(d) The fringe next to the central will be violet.
A plate of thickness t made of a material of refractive index µ is placed in front of one of the slits in a double slit experiment. (a) Find the change in the optical path due to introduction of the plate. (b) What should be the minimum thickness t which will make the intensity at the centre of the fringe pattern zero? Wavelength of the light used is \[\lambda.\] Neglect any absorption of light in the plate.
In a Young’s double slit experiment, the path difference at a certain point on the screen between two interfering waves is `1/8`th of the wavelength. The ratio of intensity at this point to that at the centre of a bright fringe is close to ______.
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.
In a double-slit experiment with monochromatic light, fringes are obtained on a screen placed at some distance from the plane of slits. If the screen is moved by 5 × 10-2 m towards the slits, the change in fringe width is 3 × 10-3 cm. If the distance between the slits is 1 mm, then the wavelength of the light will be ______ nm.
Monochromatic green light of wavelength 5 × 10-7 m illuminates a pair of slits 1 mm apart. The separation of bright lines in the interference pattern formed on a screen 2 m away is ______.
In Young's double slit experiment, the distance of the 4th bright fringe from the centre of the interference pattern is 1.5 mm. The distance between the slits and the screen is 1.5 m, and the wavelength of light used is 500 nm. Calculate the distance between the two slits.
