Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Interference

Interference — practice question

The setup for generating interference fringes is illustrated in Fig. 6.1. It is not drawn to scale. Laser light falls on two slits. The laser emits light with only one wavelength. Light passing through the two slits forms a fringe pattern on the screen. A bright fringe appears at $C$ and the following bright fringe is at $B$. A dark fringe appears at $P$.
(a(i))[1]

Explain why a single laser together with two slits is used, rather than two lasers, to create a visible fringe pattern on the screen.

(a(ii).1)[1]

State the phase difference between the waves that meet at $B$.

(a(ii).2)[1]

State the phase difference between the waves that meet at $P$.

(a(iii).1)[2]

State the principle of superposition.

(a(iii).2)[1]

Use the principle of superposition to explain the dark fringe at $P$.

(b)[3]

In Fig. 6.1 the distance from the two slits to the screen is $1.8\,\text{m}$. The distance $CP$ is $2.3\,\text{mm}$ and the distance between the slits is $0.25\,\text{mm}$. Calculate the wavelength of the light provided by the laser.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: To produce coherent sources / constant phase difference

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