Two-Source Interference
Waves
☞
Superposition
When two waves meet whilst travelling
through the same medium, they interact and
superimpose.
The net
amplitude of
the resulting
wave is the
sum of the
amplitudes of
the individual
waves.
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Constructive Interference
Constructive interference is when waves
superimpose to create a larger oscillation.
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In Phase
When peaks line up
with peaks and
troughs line up with
troughs, waves are
said to be in phase.
The phase difference is 0 or 2π (0º or 360º).
Where 2π is one complete cycle of a wave.
Waves that meet “in phase” produce constructive
interference
☜ ☞
Destructive Interference
Destructive interference is when waves
superimpose to create a smaller oscillation.
☜ ☞
Out of Phase
When peaks line up
with troughs, waves
are out of phase -
they cancel each
other out
The phase difference is π or 3π/2 (90º or
270º).
Where 2π is one complete cycle of a wave.
Waves that meet “out of phase” produce destructive
interference
☜ ☞
Coherence
When observing interference between two
wave sources, it is important that these
waves are coherent.
Not Coherent Coherent
Coherent sources have the same frequency, wavelength,
velocity and a constant phase difference
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Two-Source Interference
The loudspeakers are both
connected to the same signal
generator. The sound waves are
coherent with:
This apparatus allows two-source • Same frequency
interference to be observed with • Same velocity (in air)
coherent sound waves. • Constant phase difference
An observer walking past the speakers will hear regularly spaced
loud and quiet regions, demonstrating regions of constructive and
destructive interference
☜ ☞
Path Difference = (n+½)λ
L1 L2
Regions of quiet are heard when waves from Trough meets Crest
L1 travel half a wavelength further (or
shorter) than waves from L2.
☜ This causes destructive interference.
☞
Path Difference = 0 or nλ
Regions of loud are
heard when waves from L1 L2
L1 travel zero or a
whole number of
wavelengths further (or
shorter) than waves
from L2.
Crest meets Crest
☜ This causes constructive interference.
☞
Interference Pattern
L1 L2
Regularly spaced loud and quiet regions are a result of the path
difference between the waves from both sources, causing
constructive and destructive interference.
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Wavefront Diagram
Consider two coherent waves travelling through a double slit:
• Constructive interference
takes place in a straight line,
causing a maxima on the
screen.
• Destructive interference
takes place on either side,
causing minima on the
screen.
• This pattern repeats
outwards, causing an
interference pattern.
☜ ☞
Young’s Double Slits
• Thomas Young performed a version
of an interference experiment with
light at the beginning of the 19th
century.
• He was unable to find a two
coherent sources, so used a single
slit to ensure coherence.
• The waves emerging from the
double slit were from the same
source and hence coherent.
This experiment proved light existed
as a wave.
☜ ☞
Interference of Light
• Laser produces intense beam of coherent, monochromatic light.
• Laser is shone through very thin parallel slits, about 1mm apart.
• An interference pattern is observed on a screen several metres away.
• Maxima and minima can be clearly seen.
☜ ☞
Young’s Double Slit Formula
Young deduced that it is possible to find the wavelength of any
wave using the following formula:
Where:
λ = wavelength of the wave
a = spacing between double slits
x = spacing between fringes
D = distance from slits to screen.
Note that the distance between fringes, x, is measured as the
distance between minima or maxima.
☜ ☞
Interference of Light
Question
Calculate the wavelength of red light, using the experimental results
below and Young’s double slit formula.
Click Here for Answer
Young’s Double Slit Formula
Answer
a = 1mm = 1x10-3m
x = 7mm = 7x10-3m
D = 10.5m
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