Wave Interference & Diffraction

Young's double slit, path difference, constructive/destructive interference
← Back

Controls

Fringe Width β
0.275 mm
1st max (n=1) pos
0.275 mm
2nd max (n=2) pos
0.550 mm
1st dark (m=1) pos
0.138 mm
nλ = d·sinθ ≈ d·y/D
β = λD/d (fringe width)
Bright: Δ = nλ
Dark: Δ = (n+½)λ
Young's Double Slit: Two coherent sources produce overlapping circular wave fronts. Where crests meet crests (path diff = nλ) you get bright fringes; where crest meets trough (path diff = (n+½)λ) you get dark fringes.

Diffraction grating gives sharper, brighter fringes because many slits reinforce the pattern.

Interference Pattern (Top View)