CAIE A-Level Physics 8.2.2 Demonstrating Diffraction

Practise interpreting diffraction experiments with water, sound, light or microwaves and explaining how wavelength and aperture width change spreading.

Exam points

describe or interpret an experiment demonstrating diffraction with water, sound, light or microwaves
explain qualitatively how the amount of diffraction depends on gap width relative to wavelength
compare diffraction patterns when wavelength or gap width changes, using the stated experimental context

[Maximum number: 2]

Interference fringes may be observed using a light-emitting laser to illuminate a double slit. The double slit acts as two sources of light.

Explain

the part played by diffraction in the production of the fringes,

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8.2.2—Experiments that demonstrate diffraction including the qualitative effect of question 1