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What happens when a wave encounters an obstacle or opening?
Diffraction occurs, causing the wave to spread out around the edges.
What is the effect of decreasing the size of the opening (relative to the wavelength)?
More pronounced diffraction effects.
What happens when wavefronts are in phase?
Constructive interference occurs, resulting in bright regions.
What happens when wavefronts are out of phase?
Destructive interference occurs, resulting in dark regions.
What is the effect of using a diffraction grating (multiple slits)?
Sharper and more distinct bright spots are created.
What are the differences between constructive and destructive interference?
Constructive Interference: Wavefronts are in phase, resulting in brighter regions. | Destructive Interference: Wavefronts are out of phase, resulting in darker regions.
Compare diffraction through a small opening vs. a large opening (relative to wavelength).
Small opening: More pronounced diffraction effects. | Large opening: Less noticeable diffraction.
Compare the diffraction patterns produced by single slits vs. double slits.
Single slits: Produce a pattern of bright and dark bands. | Double slits: Lead to evenly spaced bright fringes with varying intensities.
Compare the diffraction patterns produced by rectangular slits vs. circular openings.
Rectangular slits: Produce a pattern of bright spots separated by dark regions. | Circular openings: Create concentric rings of bright and dark fringes.
Compare diffraction gratings vs. double slits.
Double slits: Lead to evenly spaced bright fringes with varying intensities. | Diffraction gratings: Create sharper and more distinct bright spots.
What is diffraction?
Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings.
Define constructive interference.
Constructive interference occurs when waves are in phase, resulting in increased amplitude (e.g., bright regions).
Define destructive interference.
Destructive interference occurs when waves are out of phase, resulting in decreased amplitude (e.g., dark regions).
What is monochromatic light?
Monochromatic light is light of a single wavelength or frequency.
Define 'wavelength'.
Wavelength is the distance between two successive crests or troughs of a wave.