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Question
In Young's double slit experiment, derive the condition for
(i) constructive interference and
(ii) destructive interference at a point on the screen.
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Solution
Young’s double slit experiment: Consider two narrow rectangular slits S1 and S2 placed perpendicular to the plane of paper. Slit S is placed on the perpendicular bisector of S1S2 and is illuminated with monochromatic light.
The slits are separated by a small distance d. A screen is placed at a distance D from S1, S2.
Consider a point P on the screen at distance x from O.
The path difference between the waves reaching P from S1 and S2 is:
P = S2P − S1P
Draw S1N perpendicular to S2P. Then,
P = S2P − S1P = S2P − NP = S2N
From right-angled
`DeltaS_1S^2N=(S_2N)/(S_2S_1) = sintheta`
`therefore P =S_2N=S_2S_1sintheta = d sintheta`
From ΔCOP,
When θ is small,
`sintheta≈theta≈tantheta = x/D`
`therefore P=(xd)/D`
For constructive interference,
`(xd)/D =nlambda,n=0,1,2,3,.....`
Position of nth bright fringe, `x_n = (nDlambda)/d =0,(Dlambda)/d,(2Dlambda)/d,(3Dlambda)/d,.......`
When n = 0, xn = 0, central bright fringe is formed at O.
For destructive interference,
`(xd)/D = (2n +1)lambda/2`
`or x_n = (2_n +1) (lambdaD)/(2d) = 1/2(lambdaD)/d,3/2(lambdaD)/d,5/2(lambdaD)/d,......`
Thus, alternate bright and dark fringes are formed on the screen.
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