| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| θ Angle of Observation | 0.0° |
| λ Wavelength | 600 nm |
💡 "Observe how wavelength changes with angle for different diffraction patterns."
Observation angle determines where bright and dark fringes appear in the diffraction pattern on the screen.
Smaller apertures create broader diffraction patterns. The slit size inversely affects the fringe spacing.
This experiment demonstrates far-field diffraction where both light source and observation plane are at large distances.
When light passes through a narrow aperture, it diffracts and creates an interference pattern. For a slit of width b, the intensity distribution I at angle θ follows:
sin(πb sin θ/λ)
(πb sin θ/λ)
Where I₀ is the maximum intensity, λ is the wavelength, and b is the slit width.
Use the spectrum slider to choose wavelength. Different colors create unique diffraction patterns.
Adjust aperture dimensions and type. Smaller openings produce broader diffraction spreads.
Change viewing angle to explore intensity variations across the diffraction pattern.
Study the resulting interference patterns and intensity graphs to understand wave behavior.