Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Interference

Interference — practice question

A laser beam is directed onto two slits to create an interference pattern on a screen. Light with wavelength $660\,\text{nm}$ falls normally on slits separated by $0.44\,\text{mm}$. The screen is $1.8\,\text{m}$ from the double slit, measured perpendicular to it. The central bright fringe on the screen is at point O. The first dark fringe below O is at point P. The next bright fringe and the next dark fringe below P are at Q and R, respectively.
(a)[1]

The light waves emerging from the two slits are coherent. State what is meant by coherent.

(b(i))[1]

For the two light waves that meet at R, calculate the path difference, in $\text{nm}$, from the slits.

(b(ii))[1]

For the two light waves that combine at R, calculate their phase difference.

(c)[3]

Calculate the distance OQ.

(d)[3]

The intensity of the light falling on the double slit is increased without any change in frequency. Describe how the fringes look after this change compared with before it, and how they are the same.

(e)[2]

The $660\,\text{nm}$ light is now replaced with blue laser light. State and explain what change, if any, must be made to the separation of the two slits so that the fringe spacing on the screen is unchanged from its value for $660\,\text{nm}$ light.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: States that coherence means a constant phase difference

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