Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · Interference

Interference — practice question

(a)[2]

State what is meant by the principle of superposition.

(b(i))[3]

Coherent light with wavelength $590\,\text{nm}$ is incident normally on a double slit, as shown in Fig. 6.1. The slit separation between A and B is $1.4\,\text{mm}$. The distance from the double slit to the screen is $2.6\,\text{m}$. At point P on the screen, the path difference for light reaching P from slits A and B is zero. Determine the separation of bright fringes on the screen near point P.

(b)

As shown in Fig. 6.1, coherent light with wavelength $590\ \text{nm}$ is incident normally on a double slit.

(b(ii))

Fig. 6.2a and Fig. 6.2b respectively show how the displacement $x$ of the light wave reaching point $P$ on the screen from slit $A$ and from slit $B$ varies with time.

(b(ii)(1))[1]

State the phase difference for the waves forming the dark fringe adjacent to point $P$ on the screen.

(b(ii)(2))[3]

Determine the ratio of the intensity of light at a bright fringe to the intensity of light at a dark fringe.

Worked solution & mark scheme

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