Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics

Reflection

Refraction

Diffraction

Interference

Smaller openings lead to less noticeable diffraction.

The size of the opening has no effect on diffraction.

Larger openings lead to more pronounced diffraction effects.

Smaller openings lead to more pronounced diffraction effects.

Visible light, because it has a longer wavelength.

Radio wave, because it has a shorter wavelength.

Visible light, because it has a shorter wavelength.

Radio wave, because it has a longer wavelength.

When wavefronts are out of phase, resulting in dark regions.

When wavefronts are in phase, resulting in dark regions.

When wavefronts are out of phase, resulting in bright regions.

When wavefronts are in phase, resulting in bright regions.

The particle nature of light.

The wave nature of light and matter.

The absence of wave behavior.

The constant speed of light.

Polychromatic light

A wide opening

Monochromatic light

A rough surface

The wavelength of light

The distance from the center of the central bright fringe to the $m^{th}$ order minimum

The slit width

The distance to the screen

100 nm

200 nm

300 nm

400 nm

Rectangular slits

Double slits

Circular openings

Diffraction gratings

Double slits produce sharper and more distinct bright spots than single slits.

Single slits produce evenly spaced bright fringes, while double slits do not.

Double slits lead to evenly spaced bright fringes with varying intensities, while single slits have a broader central maximum.

Single slits create concentric rings, while double slits produce rectangular patterns.