- #1
Firefox123
- 183
- 1
question about single slit diffraction...
Hey all...
I am trying to get a deeper and more intuitive understanding of single slit diffraction from a physical perspective.
I have already read the general explanation from back when I was an undergrad in my physics classes...since then I have read some explanations on the web, but these usually focus more on the math and the general principle rather than a physical picture or description of what exactly is happening at the edges of the slit.
The wave is obviously deflected or bent in such a manner that it ends up interfering with itself...but I am having a diffcult time picturing it.
With water waves...I can almost picture a "molecule" being "deflected" at an angle by the edge of the slit and this happening at both the top and bottom of the slit creating waves that end up combining and interfering with other parts of the same wave...like the middle portion in the center of the slit.
But I could be completely off here in my attempt to have an intuitive picture and feel for what is happening.
I am trying to get a better grasp of waves in general...and specifically to increase my understanding of electromagnetic waves. But to do that I should have a better grasp, both mathematically and physically, on the topic of waves in general. So here I am looking for more for a physical answer or one that I can mentally picture.
Can anyone help me here? Maybe a quick explanation or a link to a website with a good description or picture? I have looked now for several days and can't find what I am after.
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Russ
Hey all...
I am trying to get a deeper and more intuitive understanding of single slit diffraction from a physical perspective.
I have already read the general explanation from back when I was an undergrad in my physics classes...since then I have read some explanations on the web, but these usually focus more on the math and the general principle rather than a physical picture or description of what exactly is happening at the edges of the slit.
The wave is obviously deflected or bent in such a manner that it ends up interfering with itself...but I am having a diffcult time picturing it.
With water waves...I can almost picture a "molecule" being "deflected" at an angle by the edge of the slit and this happening at both the top and bottom of the slit creating waves that end up combining and interfering with other parts of the same wave...like the middle portion in the center of the slit.
But I could be completely off here in my attempt to have an intuitive picture and feel for what is happening.
I am trying to get a better grasp of waves in general...and specifically to increase my understanding of electromagnetic waves. But to do that I should have a better grasp, both mathematically and physically, on the topic of waves in general. So here I am looking for more for a physical answer or one that I can mentally picture.
Can anyone help me here? Maybe a quick explanation or a link to a website with a good description or picture? I have looked now for several days and can't find what I am after.
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Russ