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Notes On Interference

Interference is the phenomenon where two or more waves superpose to create a new wave pattern, resulting in alternating bright and dark fringes. Constructive interference occurs when waves are in phase, while destructive interference happens when they are out of phase. The Young's Double Slit Experiment demonstrates this wave nature of light and has applications in various fields such as wavelength measurement, optical testing, and holography.

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111 views3 pages

Notes On Interference

Interference is the phenomenon where two or more waves superpose to create a new wave pattern, resulting in alternating bright and dark fringes. Constructive interference occurs when waves are in phase, while destructive interference happens when they are out of phase. The Young's Double Slit Experiment demonstrates this wave nature of light and has applications in various fields such as wavelength measurement, optical testing, and holography.

Uploaded by

shital prasad
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Notes on Interference

1. Introduction
Interference is the phenomenon in which two or more waves superpose to form a new wave
pattern.

 In optics, it is observed as alternating bright and dark fringes on a screen due to the
superposition of light waves.
 Demonstrated the wave nature of light.

2. Principle of Superposition
When two or more waves meet at a point, the resultant displacement is the algebraic sum of the
individual displacements.

y=y1+y2y = y_1 + y_2y=y1+y2

 If waves are in phase → constructive interference.


 If waves are out of phase → destructive interference.

3. Types of Interference
(a) Constructive Interference

 Occurs when waves meet in phase (crest on crest, trough on trough).


 Path difference:

Δ=nλ(n=0,1,2,...)\Delta = n\lambda \quad (n = 0,1,2,...)Δ=nλ(n=0,1,2,...)

 Result: Maximum intensity (bright fringes).

(b) Destructive Interference

 Occurs when waves meet out of phase (crest on trough).


 Path difference:

Δ=(2n+1)λ2\Delta = (2n+1)\frac{\lambda}{2}Δ=(2n+1)2λ
 Result: Minimum intensity (dark fringes).

4. Conditions for Sustained Interference


1. Two sources must be coherent (constant phase difference).
2. Same frequency and wavelength.
3. Equal or nearly equal amplitudes.
4. Sources close enough to ensure overlap of waves.

5. Young’s Double Slit Experiment (YDSE)


 Performed by Thomas Young (1801).
 Setup: A single slit illuminates two narrow slits S₁ and S₂, which act as coherent
sources.
 On a screen, alternate bright and dark fringes are observed.

(a) Path Difference

Δ=xdD\Delta = \frac{xd}{D}Δ=Dxd

Where:

 xxx = distance of fringe from central maximum


 ddd = slit separation
 DDD = distance between slits and screen

(b) Fringe Width

β=λDd\beta = \frac{\lambda D}{d}β=dλD

Where:

 β\betaβ = distance between two consecutive fringes


 λ\lambdaλ = wavelength of light

6. Interference in Thin Films


 Occurs when light reflects from the upper and lower surfaces of a thin film.
 Examples: soap bubbles, oil films.
 Different colors appear due to constructive and destructive interference of different
wavelengths.

7. Applications of Interference
 Measurement of wavelength (YDSE, Newton’s Rings).
 Anti-reflection coatings in camera lenses and glasses.
 Optical testing (surface flatness testing).
 Holography (uses interference of light waves).
 Spectroscopy (Fabry–Perot interferometer).

8. Examples in Daily Life


 Soap bubbles showing multiple colors.
 Oil films on water producing rainbow-like colors.
 Compact discs (CD/DVDs) showing colorful interference patterns.

Summary
 Interference = superposition of waves producing bright and dark fringes.
 Constructive → bright fringes; Destructive → dark fringes.
 Young’s Double Slit Experiment proved the wave nature of light.
 Used in measurement of wavelength, coatings, holography, spectroscopy, and optical
testing.

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