Explain how bright fringes arise in Young's double slit experiment

To answer this question, we need to think about 3 things: interference, phase and path difference

In the experiment, we have monochromatic light (from a laser) going through two slits and then bright and dark fringes appearing on the screen. (I will draw the experiment on the white board) 

What the monochromatic light means is that the light shining through the two slits act as two coherent sources of light (at the same frequency). In order for bright fringes to occur, the waves of light need to interfer constructively. This means that the displacement of the waves when they intefer with each other add together - they superimpose to make a larger amplitude ie the bright fringe. To interfer constructively like this, the waves must arrive together in phase and have a path difference which is a whole number of wavelengths (1 wavelength, 2 wavelengths etc)

HM
Answered by Harveer M. Physics tutor

3957 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the process of nuclear fission is induced


What do I need to do for full marks on the question "describe an everyday circumstance where resonance occurs (4 marks)"?


Calculate the threshold wavelength for a metal surface with work function of 6.2 eV.


A photon has an energy of 1.0 MeV. Calculate the frequency associated with this photon energy. State an appropriate unit in your answer.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning