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Measure Light Wavelength via Diffraction

The document describes a physics practicum to determine the wavelength of light using diffraction through a single slit. The apparatus includes an optical rail, screen, single slit pattern, laser diode source, and micro ammeter. The theory section explains that diffraction causes light to bend around edges, and interference occurs when waves reinforce or cancel each other. The procedure has students position the laser and single slit, measure the distance between interference pattern maxima and minima, use that to calculate the angle theta, and then use theta to calculate the wavelength of light. Precautions include not looking directly at the laser and handling equipment carefully.

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ShishirPriyadarisi
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9 views3 pages

Measure Light Wavelength via Diffraction

The document describes a physics practicum to determine the wavelength of light using diffraction through a single slit. The apparatus includes an optical rail, screen, single slit pattern, laser diode source, and micro ammeter. The theory section explains that diffraction causes light to bend around edges, and interference occurs when waves reinforce or cancel each other. The procedure has students position the laser and single slit, measure the distance between interference pattern maxima and minima, use that to calculate the angle theta, and then use theta to calculate the wavelength of light. Precautions include not looking directly at the laser and handling equipment carefully.

Uploaded by

ShishirPriyadarisi
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

PHYSICS PRACTICUM

AIM: To determine the wavelength of light using diffraction through a single slit.
APPARATUS:
Optical rail with cm marks
Screen at end of optical rail
Single Slit pattern
Laser diode source
Micro ammeter

THEORY:
Diffraction refers to the "bending" of waves around sharp edges or corners.
The slits of a grating give rise to diffraction and the diffracted light
interferes so as to set up interference patterns.
Interference is the effect produced when two or more waves are
superimposed so as to either reinforce or cancel each other. The effect's
magnitude depends upon the relative phases of the two waves. With light,
interference occurs when two beams having identical frequencies are
superimposed: darkness (destructive interference) being produced when
two beams are united so that the positive vibration peaks of one match the
negative vibration peaks of the other. These waves are said to be "out of
phase". Conversely, a bright spot (constructive interference) is observed
when two waves are matched peak to peak or "in phase".

PROCEDURE:

1. Position the laser at one end of the optical rail. Place the Single slit set
5 10 cm in front of the laser with the text facing the laser.
2. Optimize the position of the laser by slowly rotating the horizontal
and vertical adjustment screws on the back of the laser. Find the
alignment with the brightest, most centrally located pattern.

3. Measure the distance (y cm) between maxima and minima of the


interference pattern using the micro ammeter.
4. Calculate the angle (as shown in the Figure 1), using the value of y
and L (distance between the screen and slit).

Tan = y/L
= tan-1 y/L

5. Using the value of , calculate the wavelength of light :


sin = m/y

PRECAUTIONS:
1. Never look directly into any laser beam, regardless of power.
2. Never leave an unblocked invisible laser beam unattended.
3. Handle the apparatus with care.

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