Amplitude and Young double slit experiment

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between the size of a slit in the Young double slit experiment and the amplitude of light. The physics teacher states that making one slit smaller will also decrease the amplitude of light from that source. When asked about the definition of light amplitude, the person explains that it is often associated with intensity and that reducing the slit size will not affect intensity, but instead decrease the power (energy/time).
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Homework Statement


For a question in a worksheet (the actual question is irrelevant), my physics teacher said, in the context of the Young double slit experiment with light, if you make one of the slits smaller, then the amplitude of light from that source will also decrease.
Is that true?

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  • #2
How did your teacher define light amplitude?
As far as I know, the amplitude of light is most often associated with the intensity. If the two slits is illuminated by a plane wave, the intensity and hence the amplitude across the slit opening is uniform. Reducing the slit size will obviously not affect the intensity, instead, it's the power (energy/time) which is decreasing.
 

FAQ: Amplitude and Young double slit experiment

1. What is the Amplitude and Young double slit experiment?

The Amplitude and Young double slit experiment is a classic physics experiment used to demonstrate the wave-like behavior of light. It involves passing a beam of light through two narrow slits and observing the resulting interference pattern on a screen.

2. How does the Amplitude and Young double slit experiment work?

In this experiment, a single beam of light is split into two beams by passing through two narrow slits. These two beams then interfere with each other, creating a pattern of light and dark fringes on a screen placed behind the slits. This is known as an interference pattern and is a result of the superposition of the two waves.

3. What is the significance of the Amplitude and Young double slit experiment?

The Amplitude and Young double slit experiment is significant because it provides evidence for the wave nature of light. This experiment helped scientists understand that light behaves as a wave and can interfere with itself, rather than just being a stream of particles.

4. What factors affect the interference pattern in the Amplitude and Young double slit experiment?

The interference pattern in this experiment is affected by several factors, including the distance between the two slits, the wavelength of the light, and the distance between the slits and the screen. Changing any of these variables can alter the pattern of fringes observed on the screen.

5. How is the Amplitude and Young double slit experiment relevant in modern science?

The Amplitude and Young double slit experiment is still relevant in modern science as it continues to provide evidence for the wave-like behavior of light. It is also used in many other fields, such as optics, quantum mechanics, and diffraction, to study the behavior of waves and particles. This experiment has also been replicated with other types of waves, such as sound waves and water waves, to demonstrate the same principles.

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