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Understanding Interference Patterns in Waves

Learn how to identify and calculate interference maxima and minima in wave patterns. Discover the principles behind constructive and destructive interference. Practice calculations and solve example problems. Suitable for students studying physics.

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Understanding Interference Patterns in Waves

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  1. Key areas • Maxima and minima are produced when the path difference between waves is a whole number of wavelengths or an odd number of half wavelengths respectively. • Carry out calculations on the above.

  2. What we will do today: • Identify interference patters for both maxima and minima. • Carry out calculations on the above.

  3. Interference Patterns

  4. Maxima • In an interference pattern formed by two coherent sources, maxima occur at points of constructive interference: • Path difference = nλ for maxima where n is an integer, λ is the wavelength i.e. path difference = λ, 2λ, 3λ, etc. • Note - the space between each maxima is equal to one wavelength.

  5. Minima • Minima occur at points of destructive interference: • Path difference = (n+½)λ for minima • i.e. path difference = ½λ, 1½λ, 2½λ, etc.

  6. Example • Find the wavelength of the waves used below if the second off-centre maximum occurs at A: • Path difference = 36 – 24 = 12cm; n = 2 • For maxima: path difference = n λ • λ = path difference / n = 12 / 2 = 6cm

  7. Multi-Ch: 2000 – 14 2001 – 15 2004 – 14 2008 – 14 Section B 2003 – 28 2010 - 27 Old Higher Past Paper Questions

  8. 2000 – Qu: 14

  9. 2001 – Qu: 15

  10. 2004 – Qu: 14

  11. 2008 – Qu: 14

  12. 2012 – Qu: 9

  13. 2013 – Qu: 28(a)

  14. 2014 – Qu: 28(b)

  15. Questions • Class jotter • Qu’s: 6 - 8

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