Physics 9702 · AS & A Level · The diffraction grating

The diffraction grating — practice question

Waves of light leaving the slits in a diffraction grating are coherent, so they create an interference pattern.
(a(i))[1]

Explain the meaning of coherence.

(a(ii))[1]

Explain the meaning of interference.

(b(i))[2]

Find the wavelength of the light. Bright spots are observed on a screen placed parallel to the grating. The angle for each second order maximum is $51^{\circ}$. The number of lines per unit length on the diffraction grating is $6.7 \times 10^5\,\text{m}^{-1}$.

(b(ii))[1]

State and explain how, if at all, the distance between the second order maximum spots on the screen changes when the light from the laser is replaced by light of a shorter wavelength.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 5-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Coherence is when waves maintain a constant phase difference.

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