Interference

Wave interference by PhET Interactive Simulations, University of Colorado Boulder, licensed under CC-BY-4.0 (https://phet.colorado.edu)

The title of the Project: Interference

Purpose of the work:

• Study the phenomena of interference.

Practical part

Choose “Interference” to start the virtual experiment.

This is a little instruction to the virtual experiment.

Virtual experiment.

Step 1. Choose the settings as shown in the photo.

Step 2. Turn on the lasers. Notice the patterns on the screen.

Step 3. Decrease the frequency. How do patterns change?

Step 4. Increase the frequency. How do patterns change?

Step 5. Decrease the separation between the lasers. How do patterns change?

Step 6. Increase the separation between the lasers. How do patterns change?

Step 7. Make a conclusion. 

Conclusion

Interference is when 2 or more waves form a resultant wave. Interference can be constructive or destructive. On the screen the patterns tell us if the interference was constructive or destructive. If there is a dark line, the two waves canceled each other and resulted in destructive interference. If there is a bright line, the two wave reinforced each other and resulted in constructive interference.