Principle

In 1801 Thomas Young conducted an experiment in which he shone
light from a single light source onto two slits, thus creating
two beams of light which, when recombined, displayed the
interference phenomenon. The classical investigation delivered
final proof of the wave nature of light.
In the first experiment the students will become familiar with the
principle of Young’s experiment on interference. In a second
experiment they will ascertain the wavelength λ of red
light.

Benefits


Multifunctional light box - All-in-one: Can be used for geometric optics on the table, colour mixing and on an optical bench

Extension with others sets at anytime, no additional light sources needed, recognition value for students



Tasks

How can we use diffraction at a double slit to prove that light
interferes? Direct a narrow beam of light onto a double slit
and observe what happens. Determine the distance between the
virtual light sources and, using this and the interference pattern,
determine the wavelength λ of red light.