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AQA A-Level Physics
3. Waves
3.8 Interference
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Cards (53)
What is wave interference?
Superposition of waves
What happens to the amplitude of waves during destructive interference?
Decreases
Order the phase differences for constructive and destructive interference:
1️⃣ Constructive: 0, 2π, 4π, etc.
2️⃣ Destructive: π, 3π, 5π, etc.
In constructive interference, the crests of waves align with the
crests
What is the resulting amplitude of waves undergoing constructive interference?
Increased
Wave interference can only be constructive.
False
The superposition principle states that the resulting displacement is the algebraic
sum
Destructive interference results in a decreased wave amplitude.
True
What happens to the wave amplitude during destructive interference?
Decreases
Constructive interference occurs when the phase difference is π, 3π, or 5π.
False
Match the type of interference with its phase difference and resulting amplitude:
Constructive ↔️ 0, 2π, 4π; Increased
Destructive ↔️ π, 3π, 5π; Decreased
What causes the interference pattern in Young's double slit experiment?
Superposition of waves
Young's double slit experiment demonstrates the wave nature of
light
For constructive interference, the path difference must be an integer multiple of the wavelength.
True
What does the variable \(s\) represent in the fringe spacing equation?
Distance between slits
Constructive interference increases the
amplitude
of the resulting wave.
True
What is the phase difference for destructive interference?
π
,
3
π
,
5
π
\pi, 3\pi, 5\pi
π
,
3
π
,
5
π
Wave Interference
is the phenomenon that occurs when two or more waves superpose to create a new wave
pattern
What happens to the amplitude of waves during destructive interference?
It decreases
Match the type of interference with its phase difference:
Constructive ↔️ 0, 2π, 4π, etc.
Destructive ↔️ π, 3π, 5π, etc.
Constructive interference results in an increased amplitude when waves meet in phase.
True
The superposition principle leads to two primary types of
interference
What is the phase relationship between waves during destructive interference?
Out of phase
Superposition in Young's Double Slit Experiment creates an interference pattern.
True
Steps in Young's Double Slit Experiment
1️⃣ Light passes through two narrow slits
2️⃣ Superposition of light waves occurs
3️⃣ Constructive interference creates bright fringes
4️⃣ Destructive interference creates dark fringes
Fringe spacing increases if the
wavelength
of light increases.
True
Match the example of interference with its cause:
Thin Films ↔️ Light reflections from different layers
Soap Bubbles ↔️ Interference of light waves
Constructive interference occurs when waves meet in
phase
Waves with a phase difference of 0, 2π, 4π, etc., undergo constructive interference.
True
What does the superposition principle state?
Algebraic sum of displacements
Destructive interference occurs when crests align with troughs.
True
Waves meeting out of phase result in destructive
interference
What is the role of phase relationship in wave interference?
Determines type of interference
What is the effect on wave amplitude during constructive interference according to the superposition principle?
Increased
Constructive interference occurs when crests align with
crests
What is the resulting amplitude when waves undergo destructive interference?
Decreased
Constructive interference occurs when waves meet in
phase
Steps in Young's double slit experiment
1️⃣ Light passes through two narrow slits
2️⃣ An interference pattern is created on a screen
3️⃣ Waves meet in phase (constructive interference) to form bright fringes
4️⃣ Waves meet out of phase (destructive interference) to form dark fringes
In Young's double slit experiment, destructive interference occurs when the phase difference is an even multiple of π.
False
What is the equation for fringe spacing in an interference pattern?
w
=
w =
w
=
λ
D
s
\frac{\lambda D}{s}
s
λ
D
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