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  2. AP Physics 2
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What are the steps of Young's Double-Slit Experiment?

  1. Coherent light source. 2. Light passes through two narrow slits. 3. Light diffracts and overlaps. 4. Interference pattern observed on screen.
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What are the steps of Young's Double-Slit Experiment?

  1. Coherent light source. 2. Light passes through two narrow slits. 3. Light diffracts and overlaps. 4. Interference pattern observed on screen.

Define constructive interference.

Waves meet in phase, amplitudes add up, resulting in a larger wave. Path difference: Δl=mλ\Delta l = m\lambdaΔl=mλ, where m = 0, 1, 2...

Define destructive interference.

Waves meet out of phase, amplitudes cancel out, resulting in a smaller wave. Path difference: Δl=(m+12)λ\Delta l = (m + \frac{1}{2})\lambdaΔl=(m+21​)λ, where m = 0, 1, 2...

What is diffraction?

The bending or spreading of waves as they pass through an opening or around an obstacle.

Define wavelength.

The distance between two successive crests or troughs of a wave.

Define 'd' in the context of double-slit interference.

'd' represents the distance between the two slits.

Compare constructive and destructive interference in terms of path difference.

Constructive: Δl=mλ\Delta l = m\lambdaΔl=mλ | Destructive: Δl=(m+12)λ\Delta l = (m + \frac{1}{2})\lambdaΔl=(m+21​)λ, where m = 0, 1, 2...

Compare the resulting wave amplitude in constructive and destructive interference.

Constructive: Amplitude increases | Destructive: Amplitude decreases.