9.

3 Investigating Young’s double slits

BACKGROUND

Monochromatic (same wavelength) coherent (same phase) light passing through double slits forms an
interference pattern by interference.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO?

By changing the distance between the screen and the slits, and measuring the distance between the central
maximum and the 4th constructive fringe (m = 4), you are going to plot a graph of s against D. The gradient of
the graph should be equal to λm/d so you should be able to calculate a value (with uncertainties!) for d. You can
then use a microscope to measure the value of d and compare it with your value.

1. Design a suitable results table. Don’t forget to include a heading, unit and uncertainty.
2. Do the experiment as described above and complete your table.
3. Plot a suitable graph to verify this relationship.
4. Write a conclusion describing what you have found and how strong your evidence is. Is there any
evidence of random or systematic uncertainties? Compare your result with published values.
5. Write an evaluation. List your uncertainties in order of their size, say whether they are random or
systematic, and suggest a practical way to reduce those uncertainties.