General

Physics 2 12
General Physics 2 – Grade 12
Quarter 4 – Module 11: Young’s Double Slit Experiment
First Edition, 2020

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 General
Physics 2 12
Quarter 4
Self-Learning Module 11
Young’s Double Slit
Experiment
Introductory Message

For the facilitator:

Welcome to the General Physics 2 Grade 12 Self-Learning Module on Young’s

Double Slit Experiment!

This Self-Learning Module was collaboratively designed, developed, and

reviewed by educators from the Schools Division Office of Pasig City headed by its
Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent, Ma. Evalou Concepcion A.
Agustin, in partnership with the City Government of Pasig through its mayor,
Honorable Victor Ma. Regis N. Sotto. The writers utilized the standards set by the K
to 12 Curriculum using the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC) in
developing this instructional resource.

This learning material hopes to engage the learners in guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Further, this also aims to help learners
acquire the needed 21st-century skills especially the 5 Cs, namely: Communication,
Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Character while taking into
consideration their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the
body of the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies that
will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their learning. Moreover, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
 For the learner:

Welcome to the General Physics 2 Module on Young’s Double Slit Experiment!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning material while being an active
learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Expectations - This points to the set of knowledge and skills

that you will learn after completing the module.

Pretest - This measures your prior knowledge about the lesson

at hand.

Recap - This part of the module provides a review of concepts

and skills that you already know about a previous lesson.

Lesson - This section discusses the topic in the module.

Activities - This is a set of activities that you need to perform.

Wrap-Up - This section summarizes the concepts and

application of the lesson.

Valuing - This part integrates a desirable moral value in the

lesson.

Posttest - This measures how much you have learned from the
entire module.
 EXPECTATIONS

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

A. explain the occurrence of interference using Young’s double-slit experiment

set up;
B. relate the geometry of the two-slit experiment set up (slit separation, and
screen-to-slit distance) and properties of light (wavelength) to the properties
of the interference pattern; and
C. cite the importance of interference of light in combating covid-19.

PRETEST

Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer.

1. Interference of light is evidence that:

A. Light is a transverse wave.
B. Light is a wave phenomenon.
C. The speed of light is very large.
D. Light is electromagnetic.
2. In Young’s double-slit experiment, the center of a bright fringe occurs
whenever waves from the slits differ in the distance they travel by a
multiple of
A. A fourth of a wavelength
B. A half of a wavelength
C. Three-fourths of a wavelength
D. A wavelength
3. In Young’s double-slit experiment, the slit separation is doubled. To
maintain the same fringe spacing on the screen, the screen-to-slit distance
L must be changed to
𝐿
A.
2
𝐿
B.
√2
C. 𝐿√2
D. 2𝐿
4. From the double-slit experiment, the quantities to be measured are
A. Slit separation
B. Fringe separation
C. Slit-to-screen distance
D. All of the above
5. Which of the following is an application of interference of light?
A. Hologram C. Diagram
B. Telegram D. Diaphragm
 RECAP

Write YES if the statement shows conditions for interference and NO if not.

1. The source must be polychromatic.

2. The source and the screen must be close enough to produce wide fringes.
3. The source must be small enough to produce wide fringes.
4. Coherent sources are needed.
5. The source must emit light in the same state of polarization.

LESSON

What do you think will likely

happen when a
monochromatic light enters
the two slit?

Will it just pass through the

slits following a straight line?
Or it will pass through the
slit and make some bright
and dark bands on the
screen?

https://i.redd.it/7korz3fhmy861.jpg

In 1801 the English scientist Thomas Young

(1773-1829) performed a historic experiment
that demonstrated the wave nature of light by
showing that two overlapping light waves
interfered with each other. Double-slit
experiment is famous in the history of Physics
because it demonstrate conclusively that light is
a wave.

https://micro.magnet.fsu.edu
/optics/timeline/people/antiq
ueimages/young.jpg
Figure 1 shows one arrangement of Young’s Figure 1: In Young’s double slit
experiment, in which light of a single wavelength experiment, two slits S1 andS2 act
as coherent sources of light. Light
(monochromatic light) passes through a single
waves from these slits
narrow slit and falls on two closely spaced, narrow constructively and destructively
slits S1 and S2. These two slits act as coherent on the screen to produce
sources of light waves that interfere constructively respectively the bright and dark
fringes.
and destructively at different points on the screen
to produce a pattern of alternating dark and bright
fringes. The purpose of a single slit is to ensure that
only light from one direction falls on the double slit.
Without it, light coming from different points on the
light source would strike the double-slit from
different directions cause the pattern on the screen
to be washed out. The slits S1 and S2 act as
coherent sources of light waves because the light
from each originates from the same primary source
– namely, the single slit.

Where are the Fringes?

The position of the fringes observed on the screen

in Young’s experiment can be calculated with the
aid of figure 2. If the screen is located far away
compared with the separation 𝑑 of the slits, then the lines labeled l1 and l2 in part
𝑎 are nearly parallel. Being nearly parallel, these lines make approximately equal
angles 𝜃 with the horizontal. The distances l1 and l2 differ by an amount 𝛥l, which
is the length of the short side of the colored triangle in part 𝑏 of the drawing. Since
the triangle is a right triangle, it follows that 𝛥l = 𝑑 sin 𝜃. constructive interference
occurs when the distances differ by an integer number 𝑚 of wavelengths 𝜆, or 𝛥l =
𝑑 sin 𝜃 = 𝑚𝜆.

Figure 2: Locating the fringes

a.)Rays from slits S1 and S2, b.)The difference in the

which make approximately the path lengths of the two c.)The angle 𝜃 is the angle at which a
same with the horizontal, strike a rays is 𝛥l = 𝑑 𝑠𝑖𝑛 𝜃 . bright fringe (𝑚 = 2, here) occurs on
distant screen at the same spot either side of the central bright fringe
𝑚=0
Therefore, the angle 𝜃 for the interference maxima (bright fringes can be determined
from the following expressions:
𝜆
Bright fringes of sin 𝜃 = 𝑚 𝑚 = 0, ±1, ±2, ±3, ….
𝑑
a double slit
(constructive interference)

The value of 𝑚 specifies the order of the fringe. Thus, 𝑚 = 2 identifies the “second-
order” bright fringe. Part 𝑐 of the drawing stresses that the angle 𝜃 given by the above
equation locates bright fringes on either side of the midpoint between the slits. A
similar line of reasoning leads to the conclusion that the dark fringes, which lie
between the bright fringes, are located according to
1 𝜆
Dark fringes of a sin 𝜃 = (𝑚 + ) 𝑚 = 0, ±1, ±2, ±3, ….
2 𝑑
double slit
(destructive interference)

The double-slit intensity pattern is shown

Figure 3: Location of Bright fringes on the
greatly enlarged in the figure The angle θ screen
varies as we move along the screen. At
certain values of θ, the condition for
constructive interference is satisfied,
producing a maximum in the intensity (a
bright interference fringe). The value 𝑚 =
0 gives 𝜃 = 0 and corresponds to the center
of the screen. Moving up or down from this
point gives bright fringe with 𝑚 =
0, +1, +2, +3, …. and 𝑚 = −1, −2, −3, ….
Negative values of 𝑚 indicate that the path
to those points on the screen from the lower
slit is shorter than the path to those from
the upper slit.

Sample Problem

Red light 𝜆 = 664 𝑛𝑚 in a vacuum is

used in Young’s experiment with
the slits separated by a distance
𝑑 = 1.50 𝑥 10−4 𝑚. The screen is
located at a distance 𝑊 = 2.50 𝑚
from the slits. Find the distance 𝑦
on the screen between the central
L bright fringe and the third-order
bright fringe.
 Given: Solution:

𝜆 = 664 𝑛𝑚 Find θ first

𝑑 = 1.50 𝑥 10−4 𝑚 𝑚𝜆 3(664 𝑥 10−9 𝑚)

𝜃 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛 −1 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1 [ ]
𝑑 1.50 𝑥 10−4 𝑚
𝐿 = 2.50 𝑚
𝜃 = 0.76ᵒ
𝑦 =?
𝑦 = 𝐿 tan 𝜃 = 2.50 𝑚 tan 0.76 ᵒ = 0.0364 𝑚
Formula:

𝒚 = 𝑳 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜽

Our analysis of Young’s double-slit experiment shows that the bright and dark
fringes associated with interference are observable, provided the slits are fairly close
together.

We may also used the following formula below based on the geometry of the two-slit
experiment (if sin 𝜃 ≈ 𝜃):

𝝀
𝒉=𝑳
𝒅

where:

ℎ = 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑠

𝐿 = 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑙𝑖𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑛

𝜆 = 𝑤𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑠

𝑑 = 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑠𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑠

ACTIVITIES

Activity 1: Light Plus Light Equals Dark

Materials:

 Laser pointer
 Lice comb (or, not quite as good, an eyelash comb with narrowly spaced metal
teeth)
  black tape
 white screen or 5 x7 – inch index card
 two large binder clips, 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, 2 inches (5 cm) long
 two medium binder clips, ½ inch (1cm) wide, 1 inch (2.5 cm) long
 a single–edge razor blade or straight-edge knife

Procedure:

1. Use the black tape to cover the teeth on the lice comb, leaving only two slits
between adjacent teeth.
2. Insert the handle of the comb into a large binder clip and set the clip on its
side or another flat surface so the teeth of the comb are vertical.
3. Clip the two medium binder clips to the barrel of the laser and position them
so the laser pointer rests horizontally.
4. Attach the remaining large binder clip to the index card so that it creates a
stand for the card.
5. Set up the laser pointer and comb so that the laser beam shines through the
two open slits on the comb onto the white screen. Position the screen at least
4 feet (1.5 meters) from the two slits.

https://www.exploratorium.edu/sites/default/files/TwoSlitExp_DSC_4793_P960.jpg

Guide Questions:

1. Turn on the laser pointer. What is formed on the distant screen?

2. Explain the formation of bright and dark bands on the screen.
3. Move the screen closer and farther from the sources. Observe the changes in
the pattern which is projected onto the screen. Complete the following
sentences.
A. As the screen is moved farther from the slits, the distance between the
bands (increases, decreases, remains the same).
B. As the screen is moved closer to the slits, the distance between the
bands (increases, decreases, remains the same).
C. The band separation distance (y) and the slit-to-screen distance (L)
are (directly, inversely) related.
 Activity 2: Practice Problems

Solve the following problems. Write the given, formula and solution. Show your
complete solution.

1. Monochromatic light 𝜆 = 500𝑛𝑚 passes through two slits and onto a screen
3m away. If two nearby bright fringes are separated by 10 mm, what is the slit
spacing?
2. Two slits are separated by 0.25 mm and are used to perform a double-slit
experiment with a screen 1.0 m away from the slits. If the distance between a
dark region and the nearest bright spot on the screen is 1.5 mm, what is the
wavelength?
3. Greenlight (𝜆 = 550 𝑛𝑚) is used in Young’s double-slit experiment with the slits
separated by a distance of 𝑑 = 0.15 𝑚𝑚. The screen is located at a distance of
𝐿 = 2.5 𝑚 from the slits. Find the distance y on the screen between the central
bright fringe and the “fourth-order” bright fringe.

Activity 3: Problem Solving

Complete the table below. Show your complete solution. (Note: convert the units
into m)

h L λ d
1 5m 500nm 0.5mm
2 2mm 650nm 1mm
3 3mm 2m 0.2mm
4 4mm 3m 600nm
5 5mm 700nm 0.3mm

WRAP-UP

Fill in the blanks.

1. As the screen is moved farther from the slits, the distance between the bands.
2. As the screen is moved closer to the slits, the distance between the bands.
3. As the slits move closer to each other, the distance between the bands
.
4. As the slits move farther from each other, the distance between the bands
.
5. As the wavelength of the source increases, the band separation
.
 VALUING

A team of New York

University has developed a
method using holographic
imaging to detect both
viruses and antibodies. The
breakthrough has the
potential to aid in medical
diagnoses and, specifically,
those related to the covid-19
pandemic.
https://encrypted-
https://trendstorys.b- How do hologram work? tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q
cdn.net/wp-
How do we see images using =tbn:ANd9GcToL2fNhnGrv
content/uploads/2019/09/
advantages-of-3d- a hologram? soDmwSBNaY9nomOAfMG
keJBsDVMh9LycWNT0Lgw
holographic-projection-
ZU821855HGvsabP_okc&u
technology.jpg
sqp=CAU

POSTTEST

Directions: Write the letter of the correct answer.

1. Light bands in the detection screen are produced from areas where
A. Trough of one light wave met crest of another light wave.
B. The two lights waves are out of phase
C. Light shows destructive interference
D. The two light waves are in phase
2. What would happen if the distance between the slit and the screen was
increased?
A. Fringe spacing would increase
B. Fringe spacing would decrease
C. No change in the fringe spacing
D. All of the above
3. In the middle of the interference pattern, there will always be
A. Dark fringe
B. Bright fringe
C. A moderate fringe
D. Either bright or dark fringe
4. Monochromatic light 𝜆 = 650𝑛𝑚 passes through two slits and onto a screen
3m away. If two nearby bright fringes are separated by 2 mm, what is the slit
spacing?
A. 9.75 x 10-3 m
B. 9.75 x 10-4 m
C. 9.75 x 10-5 m
D. 9.75 x 10-6 m
5. In Young’s Double slit experiment, if instead of monochromatic light, white
light is used, what would be the observation?
A. The pattern will not be visible.
B. The bright and dark fringes will change position.
C. The shape of the pattern will change from hyperbolic to circular.
D. Colored fringes will be observed with a white bright fringe at the center.

KEY TO CORRECTION

5. 2.14 m 3. C. directly proportional

4. 0.45 mm 3. B. decreases
3. 300 nm 3. A. increases 3. 37 mm
waves.
interference of light
because of destructive
bands are formed
of light waves and dark
constructive interference
formed because of
2. 3 m 2. Bright bands are 2. 375 nm
are formed.
1. 5 mm 1. Bright and dark bands 1. 0.15 mm
Activity 3 Activity 1 Activity 2
5. increases 5. A 5. D 5. YES
4. decreases 4. D 4. B 4. YES
3. increases 3. D 3. B 3. YES
2. decreases 2. D 2. A 2. NO
1. increases 1. B 1. D 1. NO
Wrap-Up Pretest Posttest Recap
 REFERENCES
Jerry D. Wilson and Anthony J. Buffa. 2003. PHYSICS 4th Edition. Philippines:
Pearson Education South Asia PTE. LTD

John D. Cutnell and Kenneth W. Johnson. 2004. Physics 6th Edition. Philippines:
Golden Gate Printers

Nicholas J. Giordano. 2018. General Physics 2. Manila: REX Book Store Inc

Nyuniversity. “Scientists Use Holographic Imaging to Detect Viruses and Antibodies.”

EurekAlert! Accessed May 17, 2021. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-
10/nyu-suh101320.php.

“Physics Tutorial: Young's Experiment.” The Physics Classroom. Accessed May 17, 2021.
https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/light/Lesson-3/Young-s-Experiment.

“Two-Slit Experiment.” Exploratorium, October 2, 2020.

https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/two-slit-experiment.