Sanchez, Jericho A.

STEM 12-2

Learning Task #3: Think and Explain.

Direction: Using your acquired knowledge, answer the following questions in three to five

sentences.

1. Give one reason why you cannot use two separate light sources for Young’s double-slit

experiment. Expound your answer.

In nature, two distinct light sources will never be coherent or have a definite phase relationship.
These light sources were unable to cause creative and destructive interference with one another. To create
an interference pattern, you'll need coherent sources.

2. Explain how the two slits in a double-slit experiment are able to produce a coherent

light source.

These two slits are near in proximity to one another. They also come from a single light source,
allowing for both constructive and destructive interference. Being coherent means having a consistent
phase relationship, and their coherence is demonstrated by the exact frequencies they produce. Addition,
Light from a single monochromatic source is created to flow through two slits in Young's double-slit
experiment; light waves traveling through slits behave as if they are emanating from slits, but both waves
are sourced from the same source and thus act as virtual coherent.

3. Enumerate three applications or use of thin-film interference.

Thin-film interference is the interference of light reflected from several surfaces of a thin film. It's
a constructive interference that results in vibrant hues. As a result, it is useful in applications such as anti-
reflection coatings, mirrors, and optical filters.

4. Describe two proofs that support the wave nature of light.

Light's diffraction also demonstrates that it is a wave. The double-slit experiment demonstrates
diffraction, which occurs when an electromagnetic wave breaks apart as it passes through a geometric
feature like as a slit and is followed by wave reconstruction (interference). Furthermore, Maxwell backs
up Young's theory by defining it as a propagating wave of electricity and magnetism.

5. Why is light sometimes described as rays and sometimes as waves?

There is a property called dual nature of light, Light acts as waves and particles. The path along
which light travels is known as a light ray. In the presence of diffraction and interference in light, light
behaves as waves.