SHS

General Physics
Quarter 4 – Week 6 – Module 6
Interference and Diffraction through Slits
General Physics 2
Grade 12 Quarter 4 – Week 6 – Module 6 – Interference and Diffraction
through Slits
First Edition, 2021

Copyright © 2021

La Union Schools Division

Region I

All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form
without written permission from the copyright owners.

Development Team of the Module

Author: Virgil P. Samonte

Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team
Illustrator: Ernesto F. Ramos Jr., P II Management
Team:

Atty. Donato D. Balderas, Jr.

Schools Division Superintendent

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Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

German E. Flora, Ph.D, CID Chief

Virgilio C. Boado, Ph.D, EPS in Charge of LRMS

Rominel S. Sobremonte, Ed.D, EPS in Charge of

Science
Michael Jason D. Morales, PDO II

Claire P. Toluyen, Librarian II

 Target

Light is life. It means different things to different people. To a student it may mean
brightness which enables him to see. To a kid it may mean daytime when he enjoys
playing with other kids. To an artist it may mean beautiful and colorful things. To a
physicist, however, light is perceived in terms of its properties and characteristics.
Many scientists and philosophers argued on the true nature of light. They have all
the evidences to prove their claims on the true nature of light.

In the previous Modules, you have learned that light exhibited a wave property. Light
can reflect when it hits a smooth and shiny surface. The different types of mirror
were used to demonstrate reflection. Light also refracts or changes its direction of
travel when it encounters a boundary between two media. This refraction property of
light was used in lenses.

This module will help you understand the properties of light called interference and
diffraction through slits, and already discussed in sound and water waves.

After finishing this Learning Material, you are expected to:

1. Determine the conditions (superposition, path and phase difference,
polarization, amplitude) for interference to occur emphasizing the
properties of a laser as a monochromatic and (STEM_GP12OPTIVf-32)
2. Relate the geometry of the two-slit experiment set up (slit separation, and
screen-to-slit distance) and properties of light (wavelength) to the
properties of the interference pattern (width, location, and intensity)
(STEM_GP12OPTIVf-33)
3. Relate the geometry of the diffraction experiment setup (slit size, and
screen- to-slit distance) and properties of light (wavelength) to the
properties of the diffraction pattern (width, location, and intensity of the
fringes) (STEM_GP12OPTIVf-35 )

Jumpstart
 Its Reflection time!

It is important to have a basic knowledge of the characteristics of wave before

going through the concepts of interference and diffraction.

Activity 1. A Wavy idea!

Direction: Study the sin wave below. The particles of the medium are labeled as the
wave oscillates or vibrates. Each particle vibrated perpendicularly relative
to the wave motion.

Equilibrium
position

Wave motion

Questions:
1. What point/s is/are crests? __________________________________________________
2. What point/s is/are trough? _________________________________________________
3. Choose two points that corresponds to the wavelength ________________________
4. Determine one amplitude of the wave _________________________________________
5. Which points are in-phase? __________________________________________________
6. Which points are out-of-phase? ______________________________________________
7. How many wavelengths are there between points A and Q? ____________________
8. How many wavelengths are there between points E and I?
_____________________

Discover

INTERFERENCE
 Interference of light occur when two light sources superpose to the resultant
higher, lower, or the same amplitude. There are two types of interference,
constructive and destructive interference.

Constructive interference occur when two waves that are in-phase interact having
the resultant amplitude higher. Say, when crest meets crest or trough meets trough.

A B
Fig. 1. Crest meets crest

Two crests approaches each other in Fig.1. Wave A is moving to the right and
wave B to the left. When the two waves met, they interact, adding their amplitudes
to form higher amplitude in Fig. 2.

A+B

Fig. 2 Constructive interference

After the interference, wave A continue to move to the right and wave continue to
move to the left, as if nothing happens (Fig. 3).

B A
Fig. 3 After interference

A B

Fig. 4. Trough meets trough

A+B

Fig. 5. Constructive interference

 B Fig. 6 After interference A

Wave 1
Constructive interference

=
Wave 2

Fig. 7 Constructive interference

Destructive interference occur when two waves that are out-of-phase interact
resulting to a decrease or zero amplitude. This will be done when a crest meets a
trough.

A
Fig. 8. Crest meets trough B

When a crest meets a trough (Fig. 8), they cancel out each other resulting from a
destructive interference. The resulting amplitude is lower or zero (Fig.9)
A+B
Fig. 9. The waves cancel out each other

A
B Fig. 10. After interference, the waves go in their own way
 Wave 1
Destructive interference
=
Wave 2
Fig. 11 Destructive interference

DIFFRACTION

The phenomenon of bending of light from its straight line path around the corners
of an obstacle or slit is known as diffraction. Diffracted light can produce fringes of
light, dark or coloured bands. Study and analyze the figure below.
barrier
Straight wave fronts

Diffracted wave fronts

Fig. 12 Straight waves
diffract as it enters a
small slit

crests troughs
slit
As the straight waves approaches the barrier with a small slit, most of the
waves is blocked and absorbed by the barrier, but some waves pass through the slit
and spread out as it comes out from the slit. The waves diffract (Fig. 12). The smaller
the slit or opening the more it diffract or bend. Diffraction occur when the size the
slit or opening is comparable or less than the wavelength of the wave. As the slit
width is made narrower, the amount of spreading increases.
Young’s Double Slit Experiment

Thomas Young (1773 – 1829), English physicist did his classic double slit
experiment. First he passed light from a single source through a single slit to make
light somewhat coherent or light waves are in-phase (Fig. 13). Then he pass through
a two slits to provide two coherent light sources that then interfere constructively or
destructively. Young made use of sunlight, where each wavelength form its own
pattern.
 barrier

Single slit

Fig. 13 Light coming from a single source passes

through slit, then two double slits

The double slit will illustrate a monochromatic light or light with single
wavelength. But in modern days, Young’s double slit experiment is no longer used,
instead, the LASER technology made use to show how diffraction and interference is
observed. Because laser produced a monochromatic and coherent light waves.
 Screen
Double
slit

LASER source
Bright
and
Dark
Fringes
Monochromatic and
coherent Light

Diffraction at each slit

Fig. 14 Monochromatic and coherent light from laser diffracted and

interfered producing bright and dark fringes on a screen.

Monochromatic and coherent light is needed to observe interference effects. Two

coherent waves interfere constructively and destructively as monochromatic and
coherent source of light comes out from the two slits. These interference pattern can
be projected on a screen where bright and dark fringes are produced (Fig. 14). When
light waves interfere constructively it produces bright bands and dark bands when
interfere destructively (Fig. 15)

T (bright band)

S (dark band)

R (bright band)

Q (dark band)
P (central bright band)
O (dark band)
N (bright band)

M (dark band)

L (bright band)

Fig. 15 site design/logo © 2021 Stack Exchange Inc;

Alternating bright and dark bands on a screen

Path Difference
Waves from slits take different paths. They travel different distances to the screen.
The difference in path lengths or their path difference in relation to the wavelength λ
determines.

Geometric Ray Diagram

P (central bright band)

Fig. 16 For bright band at the center of the screen, path difference is zero

R (bright band)

Δl = λ

Fig. 17 For bright band at the center of the screen, path difference is zero

The central bright band (P) is equidistant from the slits (Fig.16). Hence, the
path difference between the two waves is zero. For the next bright band at the top of
the central bright band R (Fig. 17), the path difference equals the wavelength λ. At
the next bright band T, the path difference is equal to 1 λ. At the next bright band,
the path difference is 2λ, and so on. When the path difference is equal to exact
multiples (0,1,2,3, …………n) of λ, constructive interference occur. This produces
bright fringes or bright bands.

In between two bright bands is a dark band. Consider the first dark band (Q).
the path difference of two waves from the slits reaching Q is ½ λ (Fir. 18). For the
next dark band, the path difference is 3/2 λ, and so on.
 Q (dark band)

Δl= ½ λ

Fig. 18 For first dark band path difference is ½ λ result from destructive interference

Dark bands occur when the path difference of waves coming from the slits is ½ λ,
3/2 λ, 5/2 λ, ………..(n+1) (λ/2). Destructive interference occurs, produces dark
bands or dark fringes.

Double Slit Equation

To analyze the interference pattern in the figure below (Fig. 19), we must determine
the path length between each slit and the screen.

R (bright band)

θ' ≈ θ

θ
d
θ

Δl
L

Fig. 19

Consider the path lengths for light waves that project at point R on the screen in Fig.
19. Assuming the screen is very far from the slits, so distance L is very large.
Since L is large, the angles θ' and θ that specify the directions from the slits to point
R are approximately equal. So, we denote both by θ. The slits are separated by
distance d, the extra path length traveled by the wave from the bottom slit is Δl,
where
 Δl = d sin θ

If the path length difference, Δl is equal to an integral number of complete

wavelengths, the two waves will be in-phase when they arrive the screen; a
constructive interference occur and light intensity is large. On the other hand, if
the path length difference is equal to λ/2, 3λ/2, 5λ/2,……… destructive
interference occurs and the intensity at the screen is zero, it is projected as dark
band. So the condition for constructive interference and a bright band in the
interference pattern this

Δl = mλ Δl = d sin θ

then

d sin θ = mλ

where m is the order of bright fringes (Fig. 20) whose value is 0, ±1, ±2, ±3,………n

m=3
m=2
m=1
m=0
m = -1
m = -2
m = -3

Fig. 20 Order of bright fringes

Whereas the condition for destructive interference and a dark fringes is

d sin θ = (m + ½) λ

The angle θ varies as we move along the screen. At certain values of θ, the
condition for constructive interference is satisfied, producing a maximum
brightness. Each bright band satisfies the equation d sin θ = mλ. The value m = 0
gives θ = 0 and corresponds to the central bright band at the center of the screen.
Moving up or down from this point gives bright fringes with m = +1, +2, +3, …..
and m = -1, -2, -3, …… Negative values of m are fringes below the central bright
band (Fig.
h = L tan θ where: 20).
h – interval between bright fringes The
d sin θ = mλ
d – distance between the two slits
interval h
between bright fringes on the screen can be determine by the equation

mλ
L – sin θ = horizontal distance between screen
d and slits
λ – wavelength of light wave
 R (bright band)

θ
d P(bright band)

N (bright band)
L

Fig. 21. Interval between bright fringes

Sample Problems:
1. Suppose you pass light from a He-Ne laser through two slits separated by
0.0100 mm and find that the third bright line on a screen is formed at an angle
of 10.950 relative to the incident beam. What is the wavelength λ of the light?

Given:
d = 0.0100 mm
= 1 x 10-5 m θ = d sinθ (1 x 10-5 m) sin 10.950
10.950 m = 3 λ = ? λ= m =
3

= 6.33 x 10-7 m

λ = 633 nm

2. Light of wavelength 700 nm shines through a double slit are spaced 1 300 nm
apart. If the screen is placed 3 m away from the double slit, what will be the
distance from the central bright spot on the screen to the next bright spot?

Given:
d = 1 300 nm mλ (1) (700 nm) L = 3 m sinθ = d =
1 300 nm m = 1
= 0.538461538 sin-1
λ = 700 nm
θ = 32.580

h = L tan θ

= 3 m tan 32.580

h = 1.92 m
 Explore

You are now ready to apply what you have learned from the previous discussion.

Activity 1. Young’s Slits Experiment

Materials Needed: 6 inch x 4 inch cardboard (used folder), cutter or thin knife

Direction:

1. Slice a slit in a cardboard about 1 inch length 2 inches from the edge of the
cardboard (see figure below).
2. About 2 inches from the first slit, slice two slit separated by about 1 mm or less.

single slit two slits

3. Hold the cardboard about 15 to 20 cm from your eye and look through the single
slit with eye half close at a lighted lamp.
a.) Describe what you see

4. Repeat step 3, but using the double slits.

b.) Describe what you see

c.) Compare the interference pattern that you have observed between the
single slit and the double slits.
.
 Deepen

Problem Set. Solve the different problems applying the Young’s double split
experiment.

1. In a double slit interference experiment, the distance between the slits is

0.00005m and the screen is 2 meters from the slits. Yellow light from a sodium
lamp is used and it has a wavelength of 5.89 x 10 -7 m. Determine the distance
between the central bright band and second fringe on the screen.

2. A student uses a laser and a double-slit apparatus to project a two-point source

light interference pattern onto a whiteboard located 5.87 meters away. The
distance measured between the central bright band and the fourth bright band is
8.21 cm. The slits are separated by a distance of 0.150 mm. What would be the
measured wavelength of light?

3. What is the highest-order constructive interference that can be obtained from a

laser beam whose wavelength is 640 nm through two slits separated by 0.015
mm? The maximum possible angle is 900 for a fringes to appear on the screen.

Gauge

Direction. Select the BEST answer. Write the corresponding CAPITAL LETTER of
your choice in a separate sheet of paper. Write E if you find no correct
answer.
 Consider the figure in answering 1 – 4

1. Wavelength is the horizontal distance in the wave train. Determine the

wavelength.
A. A & D B. B & D C. D & G D. D & H

2. Which points are the crest?

A. B & F B. G & L C. D & H D. C & G

3. Which points are the trough?

A. B & F B. C & G C. D & H D. G & L

4. Which points are in-phase?

A. A & C B. A & E C. B & H D. C & E

5. How many wavelengths are there from point A to point L?

A. 1 λ B. 1½ λ C. 2 λ D. 2½ λ
6. What principle is responsible for light spreading as it passes through a narrow
slit?
A. refraction B. polarization C. diffraction D. interference

7. What principle is responsible for alternating light and dark bands when light
passes through two or more narrow slits?
A. refraction B. polarization C. diffraction D. interference

8. Which of the following is an evidence that light is a form of wave?

A. Light can meet each other and produce fringes or bright and dark regions
on a screen behind.
B. Light travels as tiny particles from a luminous object to the eye.
C. Light is a tiny particle called corpuscle sent out by luminous bodies
D. Light is a threadlike streamers emitted by the eye

9. Pure constructive interference occurs between two waves when they have the
same _____.
A. amplitude and are in phase
B. frequency and are out of phase
C. frequency and are in phase
D. amplitude and are out of phase

10. What kind(s) of interference can occur between two identical waves moving in
opposite directions?
 A. Constructive interference only
B. Destructive interference only
C. Both constructive and destructive interference
D. Neither constructive nor destructive interference

11. One beam of coherent light travels path P1 in arriving at point Q and another
coherent beam travels path P2 in arriving at the same point. If these two beams
are to interfere destructively, the path difference P1 - P2 must be equal to A.
an odd number of half-wavelengths.
B. zero.
C. a whole number of wavelengths.
D. a whole number of half-wavelengths

12. Two beams of coherent light travel different paths arriving at point P. If the
maximum constructive interference is to occur at point P, the two beams must
A. arrive 1800 out of phase.
B. arrive 900 out of phase.
C. travel paths that differ by a whole number of wavelengths.
D. travel paths that differ by an odd number of half-wavelengths.

13. Light of wavelength 580 nm is incident on a slit of width 0.300 mm. An observing
screen is placed 2.00m from the slit. Find the position of the first order dark
fringe from the center of the screen.
A. 0.26 mm
B. 1.9 mm
C. 3.9 mm
D. 7.7 mm

14. If a1 and a2 are the amplitudes of two sources in Young’s double slit experiment,
then the maximum intensity of interference fringe is ( )
A. (a1 + a2)
B. 2(a1 + a2)
C. (a1 + a2)2
D. (a1 – a2)2
15. Effect of diffraction is greatest if waves pass through a gap with width equal to
A. frequency
B. wavelength
C. amplitude
D. wavefront
References

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Department of Education, Secondary Education Development and Improvement

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