Wave 3

What is diffraction?

The bending of a wave around the edges of an object or through an opening.

What is interference?

A phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves meet in the same medium and overlap.

What are the two types of interference?

Constructive interference and destructive interference.

What happens during constructive interference?

Wave amplitudes add together, producing a wave with a larger amplitude.

What happens during destructive interference?

Wave amplitudes partially or completely cancel, producing a smaller amplitude or a flat line.

What is complete destructive interference?

When two waves of equal amplitude meet in opposite phases and cancel each other completely.

What happens when two waves meet in phase?

Constructive interference occurs, producing a larger amplitude.

What happens when two waves meet in opposite phases?

Destructive interference occurs, reducing or canceling the amplitude.

What happens in Young’s double-slit experiment?

Light passes through two narrow slits, diffracts, and interferes to create bright and dark fringes on a screen.

What do bright fringes represent in Young’s double-slit experiment?

Constructive interference, where light waves reinforce each other.

What do dark fringes represent in Young’s double-slit experiment?

Destructive interference, where light waves cancel each other.

What does Young’s double-slit experiment demonstrate?

The wave nature of light.