Young's Double-Slit Experiment
Interactive simulation demonstrating wave interference patterns
Value:
500 nm
Value:
0.10 mm
Value:
1.0 m
Current:
λ
Phase difference (φ):
2π
Intensity (I):
4I₀ (K)
Intensity Calculation
The intensity at any point on the screen results from the interference of light waves from the two slits.
General Interference Formula
I = I₁ + I₂ + 2√(I₁I₂)cos(φ)
For identical slits (I₁ = I₂ = I₀), the formula simplifies to:
Simplified Intensity Formula
I = 2I₀(1 + cos(φ)) = 4I₀cos²(φ/2)
The phase difference (φ) is related to the path difference (Δx) by:
Phase-Path Relationship
φ = (2π/λ) × Δx
Key intensity values:
- When Δx = λ (φ = 2π): I = 4I₀ (maximum intensity, K)
- When Δx = λ/2 (φ = π): I = 0 (destructive interference)
- When Δx = λ/3 (φ = 2π/3): I = I₀
