Worksheet: Diffraction of Light (Young`s Double Slit

Diffraction)

Title of the Activity: Exploring Young's Double Slit

Diffraction

Objectives:

1. To gain a comprehensive understanding of Young's

double slit diffraction and its significance in the study
of wave interference.
2. To observe and analyze the fascinating interference
patterns formed by light passing through two narrow
slits.
3. To explore the relationship between wavelength, slit
separation, and the resulting interference pattern.
4. To apply the principles of Young's double slit
diffraction to real-world scenarios and technological
applications, deepening our understanding of optics.

Keywords: Young's double slit, diffraction, interference,

wavelength, slit separation, interference pattern.

Introduction:
In this exciting activity, we will dive into the
captivating world of Young's double slit diffraction, a
fundamental concept in wave optics. Prepare to unravel
the mysteries of how light behaves as both a particle and
a wave, leading to mesmerizing interference patterns.
This experiment will open our eyes to the enchanting
behavior of light waves and how they interact, offering
valuable insights into the nature of wave interference.

Lesson Presentation:
1. Let's begin by understanding the concept of wave
interference and its vital role in the field of optics.
2. We will explore the fascinating history and the
significant contribution of Thomas Young, who devised the
double slit experiment.
3. Next, we'll delve into the experimental setup of
Young's double slit diffraction, which involves shining
coherent light through two narrow slits.
4. Prepare to engage with the mathematical equations that
elegantly describe the interference pattern created by
the diffraction of light waves.
5. We'll also look at the parameters that influence the
interference pattern, like wavelength and slit
separation, and how these affect the observed pattern.
Activity:
1. We will conduct the Young's double slit diffraction
experiment using a laser or monochromatic light source, a
barrier with two narrow slits, and a screen to observe
the interference pattern.
2. Exact distances among the holes and the display
surface, as well as the separation between successive
brilliant fringes on the screen, must be measured.
3. Using the data and known values, channel your inner
scientist and determine the wavelength of the light that
was used in the experiment.
4. Prepare to tweak the distance between the slits or the
wavelength of light and observe how it affects the
mesmerizing interference pattern on the screen.
5. We'll engage in lively discussions, interpreting the
observed interference patterns and relating them to the
principles of wave interference.

Guide Questions:
1. What exactly is wave interference, and why does it
play a crucial role in optics?
2. Who was Thomas Young, and how did his double slit
experiment revolutionize our understanding of light as a
wave?
3. Could you walk us through the key components of
Young's double slit diffraction experimental setup?
4. How can we accurately calculate the wavelength of
light using the interference pattern observed on the
screen?
5. What fascinating changes occur in the interference
pattern when we alter the distance between the slits or
the wavelength of light?

Glossary of Terms:
Young's double slit- An experimental arrangement
featuring two narrow slits used to investigate wave
interference.
Diffraction- The bending of waves around obstacles,
leading to the formation of interference patterns.
Interference- The fascinating interaction of waves
resulting in either constructive or destructive patterns.
Wavelength- The distance between successive crests or
troughs of a wave.
Slit separation- The distance between the two narrow
slits in Young's double slit experiment.

References:
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2023, June 9).
Thomas Young. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Young
Hecht, E. (2016). Optics (5th ed.). Pearson.

Serway, R. A., & Jewett, J. W. (2017). Physics for

Scientists and Engineers (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.