Young’s Double-Slit Experiment Thomas Young (13 June 1773 – 10 May 1829)

1. Young’s Double-Slit ExperimentThomas Young (13 June 1773 – 10 May 1829) • Young would have used white light rather than a laser!

2. 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.

3. 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

4. Categories of Waves

5. 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.

6. Displacement – Distance Graphs • A photo (snapshot) at one instant. y x

7. Displacement – Distance Graphs • A bit later. y x

8. Displacement – Distance Graphs • Later still. y x

9. Displacement – Time Graphs • We are looking at the y-displacement of one particle at one x-position over time y t