Transcription 2026/01/31, 18:48:24

Notes

• Diffraction: The Spreading of Waves Diffraction is the spreading out of waves as they pass through a gap or around an edge. Typically, the obstruction is a narrow slit (aperture). Diffraction is most prominent when the width of the slit is approximately equal to the wavelength. This phenomenon involves a loss of energy due to destruction, which causes a decrease in amplitude. - When λ < gap size, diffraction increases. - When λ > gap size, diffraction decreases. Ripple tanks are a common experiment used to investigate diffraction: - Through a gap - Around a barrier • Interference & Coherence Interference occurs when waves overlap, and their resultant displacement is the sum of the displacements of each wave. This is based on the principle of superposition. - Waves in phase cause constructive interference. - Waves in antiphase cause destructive interference. **Main conditions for interference:** - **Constructive interference:** Path difference = nλ - **Destructive interference:** Path difference = (n + ½)λ Where: - λ = wavelength (meters) - n = 0, 1, 2, 3... **Coherence:** At points where the two waves are neither in phase nor in antiphase, the resultant amplitude i...