Highlights:
chapter 18 of an intro physics text for life-science students introducing the wave model of light and including diffraction from 2 slits
Abstract:
This chapter builds a coherent conceptual picture of how the wave model works, using the model of wavelets combining to form new wavefronts. Rays are included and treated not just as particle paths, but as 1D trajectories of oscillating waves, orthogonal to the wavefronts. Interference from multiple sources is then the result of combining waves coming along different rays from different sources. We show how interference can be used as a kind of microscope, magnifying details at very small scales. Interference allows macroscopic measurements that can tell us the wavelength of light and the atomic spacing in crystals.
Resource Types:
Student reading, Instructor supplement, Restricted access
Remote Learning Ready:
This resource has been designed or adapted for use in remote learning.
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TOPICS
Physics Topics:
Life Sciences Topics:
Biochemistry > DNA and RNA, Molecular Imaging
Molecular and Cellular Biology > Cellular Structure
Chemistry Topics:
Macromolecules
Math Topics:
Algebra; Geometry; Graphical Analysis; Trigonometry
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SUBMISSION DETAILS
Copyright: 2023 Edward Redish, Ginny Redish
CC BY-NC-SA - Attribution, No Commercial uses and Share Alike. Derivative works must have the same license.Last Edit Date:
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