Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Interference

Interference — practice question

(a) A single-frequency coherent visible light beam is directed normally at a double slit. A bright-and-dark interference fringe pattern appears on a screen, as shown in Fig. 6.1.
(a(i))[3]

Explain how the bright and dark interference fringes are produced.

(a(ii))[3]

The separation between the centres of bright fringe X and bright fringe Y in the pattern is $10.2\,\text{mm}$. The slit spacing is $1.2\,\text{mm}$. The slits are $3.1\,\text{m}$ from the screen. Calculate the wavelength of the light incident on the slits.

(a(iii))[1]

The light is replaced with other visible light that has a shorter wavelength. State how the new fringe separation will compare with the original fringe separation.

(b(i))[1]

A stationary wave is set up on a stretched string AB, as shown in Fig. 6.2. On Fig. 6.2, draw a cross ($\times$) to show where a node is located.

(b(ii))[1]

State the phase difference for P and Q.

(b(iii))[1]

State the phase difference for P and R.

(b)

A stationary wave is set up on a stretched string AB, as shown in Fig. 6.2. P, Q and R are points on the string.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 10-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The light undergoes diffraction at the two slits

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