Physics I / Wave Optics: Interference and Diffraction
Practice question · Sort into groups

Sort: double-slit interference or single-slit diffraction?

Groups: Double-slit · Single-slit diffraction

Hints
  1. Ask whether light passes through two openings or one.
  2. Evenly spaced fringes and one broad central peak are the signatures.
Show the answer

Double-slit: dsinθ=mλd \sin\theta = m\lambda for bright fringes, Equally spaced bright fringes, Two narrow openings

Single-slit diffraction: asinθ=mλa \sin\theta = m\lambda for dark fringes, Central maximum is twice as wide as others, One wide opening

Why

Double-slit produces equally spaced fringes; single-slit has a broad central peak.

Read the lesson: Wave Optics: Interference and Diffraction →

Practise Wave Optics: Interference and Diffraction

The app has 4 more questions on this lesson, and keeps your place in the course. Physics I is free to start.

More questions on Wave Optics: Interference and Diffraction