Physics Investigatory Project
Title: Study of Interference of Light Using Young's Double Slit
Experiment (YDSE)
Student Name: Ruhani
Class: 12
Subject: Physics
Board: CBSE
Academic Year: 2025–26
---
### ***Aim:***
To study the interference pattern of monochromatic light using Young’s Double Slit
Experiment (YDSE) and determine the wavelength of the light source.
---
### ***Introduction:***
Wave optics, also known as physical optics, deals with the wave-like properties of light,
such as interference, diffraction, and polarization. Unlike ray optics, which treats light as a
straight-line beam, wave optics explains phenomena that arise due to the wave nature of
light.
One of the most important phenomena under wave optics is interference. Interference
occurs when two or more coherent light waves superimpose to form a pattern of alternating
bright and dark fringes, proving the wave nature of light.
The most classic demonstration of this phenomenon is Young’s Double Slit Experiment
(YDSE), which involves passing monochromatic light through two closely spaced slits and
observing the resulting interference pattern on a screen. This experiment not only confirms
the wave theory of light but also allows us to calculate the wavelength of light using simple
apparatus.
---
### ***Apparatus Required:***
- Laser pointer (red or green)
- Young’s double slit setup (DIY or manufactured)
- Screen (white wall, paper, or cardboard)
- Meter scale/ruler
- Vernier caliper (optional)
- Clamp stand or fixed holder for laser
- Dark room or shaded setup for clear visibility
---
### ***Theory:***
When monochromatic light passes through two closely spaced narrow slits, it diffracts and
produces coherent sources of light. These waves interfere constructively or destructively on
the screen, forming a pattern of alternating bright and dark fringes.
The path difference between the two waves determines the type of interference:
- Constructive Interference: Path difference = nλ (Bright fringe)
- Destructive Interference: Path difference = (2n+1)λ/2 (Dark fringe)
Where:
- λ = Wavelength of light
- n = Integer (0, 1, 2, ...)
The fringe width (β), i.e., the distance between two consecutive bright (or dark) fringes, is
given by:
β = λD/d
Where:
- β = Fringe width
- λ = Wavelength of light
- D = Distance between slits and screen
- d = Distance between the two slits
The greater the screen distance (D), the larger and more visible the fringes become. A small
slit separation (d) also results in wider fringe spacing, enhancing visibility.
---
### ***Procedure:***
1. Fix the laser pointer securely so it emits a stable, straight beam.
2. Align the double slit setup directly in the path of the laser beam.
3. Place a white screen at a known distance D (e.g., 1 meter) from the slits. This distance
allows clear fringe formation.
4. Turn off or dim ambient lighting to improve visibility of the interference pattern.
5. Observe the pattern of alternating bright and dark fringes on the screen.
6. Mark several bright fringes on the screen using a pencil or marker.
7. Measure the distance between successive bright fringes to calculate fringe width β. Take
multiple measurements for accuracy.
8. Use a vernier caliper to measure slit separation (d), or refer to manufacturer
specifications.
9. Substitute β, D, and d in the formula to compute the wavelength λ of the laser light.
---
### ***Observation Table:***
| S. No | Fringe Width (β) mm | D (cm) | d (mm) | λ (nm) |
|-------|----------------------|--------|--------|--------|
|1 | 2.5 | 100 | 0.25 | 625 |
|2 | 2.6 | 100 | 0.25 | 650 |
| Avg | | | | 637.5 |
---
### ***Sample Calculation:***
λ = (β × d)/D = (2.5 × 0.25)/100 = 6.25 × 10⁻⁷ m = 625 nm
---
### ***Result:***
The observed interference pattern confirms the wave nature of light. The calculated average
wavelength of the monochromatic light (laser) used is approximately 637.5 nm. This value
is close to the known wavelength of red laser light, validating the accuracy of the
experiment.
---
### ***Conclusion:***
Young's Double Slit Experiment is a brilliant demonstration of wave optics. It shows that
light exhibits wave-like behavior, particularly the phenomenon of interference. The
experiment allows for a fairly accurate determination of the wavelength of light using basic
optical equipment. This validates Huygens’ principle and the theory of superposition.
---
### ***Viva Questions:***
1. What is the principle behind YDSE?
2. Why do we use a laser in this experiment?
3. What is meant by coherent sources?
4. What happens if we increase the slit separation?
5. What would happen if we used white light instead of laser?
6. How does the fringe width change if the screen is moved closer?
7. What is the significance of fringe width?
8. Can you do this experiment with sunlight?
9. How can we increase the visibility of fringes?
10. Why is monochromatic light preferred in YDSE?
---
### ***Acknowledgment:***
I would like to express my gratitude to my Physics teacher for their valuable guidance and
to my school for providing the necessary equipment to carry out this investigatory project.
Special thanks to the lab technician for their support, and to my parents and friends for
their encouragement throughout the project.
---
Sign:
Ruhani
Class 12
Physics Project