11.3 Diffraction

• Define diffraction  - Diffraction is the change in shape of a wave as it passes through a gap or a slit. Maximum diffraction occurs when the width of the gap is equal to the wavelength of the wave.

• Explain the diffraction pattern when light passes through a slit and is projected onto a screen using Huygens model 
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The diffraction pattern is when the wavelength passes through a gap which causes

An infinite amount of point sources along the wave front and each of those produce a

Secondary wave.

 

• Sketch the first three minima the relationship between the angle of diffraction and relative intensity when light passes through a single slit

• Add to each of the minima the equation relating the angle of the minima to the wavelength and slit width
• derive the formula θ = λ/b
• What assumption was made in the derivation of θ = λ/b
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