Chapter 37: Interference

Because light is a wave, the light from two or more sources can interfere to yield distinctive patterns.  The different colors of a bit of oil in a water puddle is an example of an interference effect.  In this chapter, you will explore the interference of light from multiple sources using a virtual ripple tank in order to make the connection between path length difference and interference.  You will also explore the interference of light incident on thin films.

Table of Contents

Illustrations

• Illustration 37.1: Ripple Tank.
• Illustration 37.2: Dielectric Mirrors.

Explorations

• Exploration 37.1: Varying Numbers and Orientations of Sources.
• Exploration 37.2: Changing the Separation Between Sources.

Problems

• Problem 37.1: Illumination pattern.
• Problem 37.2: Type of interference.
• Problem 37.3: Phase of sources.
• Problem 37.4: Distance between hidden sources.
• Problem 37.5: Changes in interference pattern.
• Problem 37.6: Analysis of interference pattern.
• Problem 37.7: Double slit.
• Problem 37.8: Waves in different mediums.
• Problem 37.9: Thin film of variable width.
• Problem 37.10: Thin film, variable wavelength of light.
• Problem 37.11: A dielectric mirror.