IB PHYSICS SOLUTIONS

IBQ: Diffraction HL Part 2 (Single opening)

1. C
[1]

2. A
[1]

3. C
[1]

4. A
[1]

5. D
[1]

6. C
[1]

7. A
[1]

8. A
[1]

9. C
[1]

10. D
[1]

2016 Exams 1
IB PHYSICS SOLUTIONS

13. (a) Look for an argument that considers destructive interference between
light from elements of the slit e.g.
consider light from the top edge of the slit and light from X then for

a destructive interference at M the path difference between them is ;
2
this will be true for all elements of the slit that are paired with
elements below X / OWTTE;
some conclusion e.g. for this to be true then l must equal λ; 3

(b)

same value maximum as maximum of S2 coincides with minimum of S1;

minimum of S2 coincides with maximum of S1;
Deduct [1] if curve does not touch axis. 2

(c) since the wavelength of radio waves is relatively large to get good
resolution the aperture must be large / OWTTE;
this is achieved by having large dish-like receivers/by separating
the receivers by large distances; 2

 2  1012 
(d) angular separation of sources =   = 6.7 × 10–5 (rad);
16 
 3  10 
   0.21  
angle at which sources are resolved = 1.22  1.22   = 8.5 × 10–4 (rad);
 b  300  
some statement about angles to show that they cannot be resolved; 3
[10]

14. (a) (i) spreading out of light;

beyond that predicted by the geometric pattern / by the obstacle
shape / OWTTE; 2

2016 Exams 2
IB PHYSICS SOLUTIONS

(ii) diagram:

central symmetrical maximum;

at least one secondary maximum on each side with smaller
height no more than one third height of central maximum;
minima drawn to zero; (i.e. sitting on x-axis) 3

9
   620  10
(iii) θ=    ;
 b  0.4  10 3
2.0  1.9  620  10 9
w = (2Dθ =) ;
0.4  10 3
w = 5.9mm; 3
Award [3] for bald correct answer.

(b) (i) the images can be seen separately; 1

(ii) diffraction occurs (at the aperture/iris of the eye);

each lamp gives rise to a diffraction pattern (at the
back of the eye/on the retina);
(for distant lamps) the two diffraction patterns overlap;
so that patterns cannot be distinguished / OWTTE; 4
[13]

15. (a) shape of diffraction pattern acceptable;

central maximum of one pattern falls on first minimum of other;
relative heights of central and first maxima realistic for both patterns; 3

1.22 λ 1.22  400 10 9

(b) θ
d

0.003

1.6310  4 rad ; 
 head lamp separation  1.2
woman  car distance =   4
; 3
 tan θ  1.63  10
= 7.4 km

2016 Exams 3
IB PHYSICS SOLUTIONS

[6]

2016 Exams 4