Question about single slit diffraction

Thread starter rob5
Start date Apr 19, 2005
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Diffraction Single slit Slit

In summary, Ray's argument is that light does not need any of the normal media that we are used to, and that it will diffract purely on a geometric basis.

May 1, 2005

rob5

ZapperZ said:

Secondly, "oscillating molecules in these devices"?
You have shifted your position so often,

1) I am just responding to your shift in focus to xray crystal diffraction from single slit and double slit diffraction. In all of these cases the light passes through some sort of molecules, those of the crystal or those of air.

ZapperZ said:

It is no longer clear WHAT you are claiming.

2) Evidently we both agree now that neither single nor double slit diffraction has be shown in a vacuum and now that xrays from a synchroton have not been diffracted in a vacuum since a crystal is not a vaccum.
Therefore there is no direct evidence that light travels as a wave with the interference properties of a wave, in a vacuum even though as Michelson et al showed in 1915 after Michelson's death that light somehow travels in a vacuum at a speed very close to its speed in air.

<h2>What is single slit diffraction?</h2><p>Single slit diffraction is a phenomenon that occurs when light passes through a narrow slit and spreads out, creating a diffraction pattern on a screen or surface behind the slit. This is due to the wave-like nature of light and the interference of the light waves as they pass through the slit.</p><h2>What factors affect the diffraction pattern in single slit diffraction?</h2><p>The main factors that affect the diffraction pattern in single slit diffraction are the width of the slit, the wavelength of the light, and the distance between the slit and the screen. The narrower the slit, the wider the diffraction pattern will be. Longer wavelengths of light also result in a wider diffraction pattern. The distance between the slit and the screen also affects the spacing of the diffraction pattern.</p><h2>How is single slit diffraction different from double slit diffraction?</h2><p>In single slit diffraction, light passes through a single narrow slit, while in double slit diffraction, light passes through two parallel slits. This results in a different diffraction pattern, with single slit diffraction producing a central bright spot with smaller, dimmer spots on either side, while double slit diffraction produces multiple bright spots in a series of bands.</p><h2>What are some practical applications of single slit diffraction?</h2><p>Single slit diffraction is used in various optical instruments, such as microscopes and telescopes, to improve resolution and image quality. It is also used in spectrometers to analyze the wavelengths of light emitted by different sources. Additionally, single slit diffraction is used in the production of holograms and in the study of wave behavior in general.</p><h2>How can the intensity of the diffraction pattern be changed in single slit diffraction?</h2><p>The intensity of the diffraction pattern in single slit diffraction can be changed by altering the width of the slit or the wavelength of the light. A narrower slit or a longer wavelength will result in a wider diffraction pattern with lower intensity, while a wider slit or a shorter wavelength will result in a narrower diffraction pattern with higher intensity.</p>

FAQ: Question about single slit diffraction

What is single slit diffraction?

Single slit diffraction is a phenomenon that occurs when light passes through a narrow slit and spreads out, creating a diffraction pattern on a screen or surface behind the slit. This is due to the wave-like nature of light and the interference of the light waves as they pass through the slit.

What factors affect the diffraction pattern in single slit diffraction?

The main factors that affect the diffraction pattern in single slit diffraction are the width of the slit, the wavelength of the light, and the distance between the slit and the screen. The narrower the slit, the wider the diffraction pattern will be. Longer wavelengths of light also result in a wider diffraction pattern. The distance between the slit and the screen also affects the spacing of the diffraction pattern.

How is single slit diffraction different from double slit diffraction?

In single slit diffraction, light passes through a single narrow slit, while in double slit diffraction, light passes through two parallel slits. This results in a different diffraction pattern, with single slit diffraction producing a central bright spot with smaller, dimmer spots on either side, while double slit diffraction produces multiple bright spots in a series of bands.

What are some practical applications of single slit diffraction?

Single slit diffraction is used in various optical instruments, such as microscopes and telescopes, to improve resolution and image quality. It is also used in spectrometers to analyze the wavelengths of light emitted by different sources. Additionally, single slit diffraction is used in the production of holograms and in the study of wave behavior in general.

How can the intensity of the diffraction pattern be changed in single slit diffraction?

The intensity of the diffraction pattern in single slit diffraction can be changed by altering the width of the slit or the wavelength of the light. A narrower slit or a longer wavelength will result in a wider diffraction pattern with lower intensity, while a wider slit or a shorter wavelength will result in a narrower diffraction pattern with higher intensity.