204 Interference of light

This report should adhere to a more formal lab report structure. You can see what that entails here.

Report Question 1

In your own words: explain the difference between coherent and incoherent sources? Do some research and find some examples of coherent and incoherent wave sources (they need not be light waves - sound sources or other mechanical waves can also be coherent or incoherent.)

Report Question 2

Include responses to the following questions with your graphs of intensity. Are the maximum intensities the same for each slit? Explain why the maximums could be different values. Are the widths of the intensity profiles the same? How do they differ? Are the edges of the intensity profiles sharp? or smooth? (i.e. are the shadows crisp, or blurry?)

Report Question 3

Explain the difference between monochromatic and polychromatic light. Give examples of each kind. Why are interference effects harder to observe with polychromatic light? Describe how could you create a monochromatic light source using polychromatic rays from the sun? (hint: Newton was among the first to figure out how to do this)

Report Question 4

Derive the formula that relates the wavelength of the light to the interference pattern fringe spacing. Show your work with algebra and geometry. Include a picture of your interference pattern as it appears on the screen. Provide an estimate using the measurements you obtained for the wavelength of the laser light.