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Young’s Double-Slit Experiment Thomas Young (13 June 1773 – 10 May 1829). Young would have used white light rather than a laser!. Why study waves?. By studying ocean waves and other transverse waves we can learn about light. The rules for waves are similar no matter what type they are.
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Young’s Double-Slit ExperimentThomas Young (13 June 1773 – 10 May 1829) • Young would have used white light rather than a laser!
Why study waves? • By studying ocean waves and other transverse waves we can learn about light. The rules for waves are similar no matter what type they are. • The most fundamental property of waves is that they transfer energywithout the transfer of matter.
Mechanical Waves • A mechanical wave relies on a medium (material) to travel through. Light is not a mechanical wave. • Mechanical waves are made up of vibrating particles or moving pieces. Examples
Waves in 2-D and 3-D • In 2-D (two dimensions) waves tend to spread out in circles. • In 3-D waves tend to spread out in spheres.
Displacement – Distance Graphs • A photo (snapshot) at one instant. y x
Displacement – Distance Graphs • A bit later. y x
Displacement – Distance Graphs • Later still. y x
Displacement – Time Graphs • We are looking at the y-displacement of one particle at one x-position over time y t