Question 1

Which of the following best describes the condition for constructive interference between two coherent light sources?

Accepted Answer

$$r_2$$ - $$r_1 = m$$\lambda$$

Question 2

In a double-slit experiment, the distance between the slits is $$0.200\ \mathrm{mm}$$ and the screen is $$1.00\ \mathrm{m}$$ away. If the third bright fringe ($$m=3) is $$observed at $$9.49\ \mathrm{mm}$$ from the center, what is the wavelength of the light used?

Accepted Answer

$$\lambda = 633\ \mathrm{nm}$$

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a requirement for two sources to produce a stable interference pattern?

Accepted Answer

They must have the same amplitude.

Question 4

A thin film of oil (n = 1.40) floats on water (n = 1.33). If white light is incident normally, which wavelength in the visible spectrum will be most strongly reflected if the film thickness is $$t$$ such that $$2nt = m\lambda$$?

Accepted Answer

The wavelength that satisfies $$2nt = m\lambda$$

Question 5

In the context of Young's double-slit experiment, what is the formula for the position $$y_m of $$the $$m-th $$bright fringe on the screen?

Accepted Answer

$$y_m = Rm\lambda/d$$

Question 6

If the path difference between two waves is $$2.5\lambda$$, what type of interference occurs at that point?

Accepted Answer

Destructive interference

Question 7

Which real-world application relies on the principle of diffraction to analyze the structure of crystalline materials?

Accepted Answer

X-ray diffraction

Question 8

A student observes that the bright fringes in a double-slit experiment are getting closer together as the screen is moved farther from the slits. Which equation explains this observation?

Accepted Answer

$$y_m = Rm\lambda/d$$

Question 9

If the slit separation $$d is $$doubled in a double-slit experiment, what happens to the fringe spacing on the screen?

Accepted Answer

It halves

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the principle of linear superposition?

Accepted Answer

The resultant displacement at any point is the sum of the instantaneous displacements from each wave.

Question 11

In a two-slit interference experiment, the distance between the slits is $$0.300\ \mathrm{mm}$$, the screen is $$1.50\ \mathrm{m}$$ away, and the wavelength of light is $$600\ \mathrm{nm}. $$What is the distance between the central bright fringe and the second bright fringe ($$m=2$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$y_2 = 6.00$$\ \mathrm{mm}$$

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the central bright fringe in a double-slit interference pattern is correct?

Accepted Answer

It is always located at $$y = 0 on $$the screen.

Question 13

A scientist uses a diffraction grating to analyze the light from a distant star. What property of the light is most directly measured by this technique?

Accepted Answer

The wavelength of the light

Question 14

If the path difference between two waves is $$\lambda/2$$, what type of interference occurs?

Accepted Answer

Destructive interference

Question 15

Which of the following is a direct consequence of the wave nature of light?

Accepted Answer

Diffraction

Interference and Diffraction: The Wave Nature of Light

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