Double slit - slit separation

In summary, the double slit experiment is a classic physics experiment that demonstrates the wave-like behavior of particles. It involves shining a beam of particles through two parallel slits and observing the resulting interference pattern. The distance between the two slits, known as slit separation, is an important variable that affects the interference pattern. A smaller slit separation results in a wider interference pattern with smaller spacing between fringes, while a larger slit separation produces a narrower pattern with larger spacing between fringes. Slit separation and diffraction are closely related, as a smaller slit separation allows for more diffraction to occur. The material of the slits can also affect the interference pattern, but in most cases, it will not significantly alter the overall pattern.
  • #1
Pjpic
235
1
About how far apart can the slits get, in the double slit experiment, and still show the interference pattern?
 
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  • #2
It should be comparable to the wavelength of the light. If you increase it to values significantly higher than that, there will be no interference pattern. In fact the pattern becomes smaller and smaller until at first your eyes and then your detectors don't have the required resolution to perceive it.
 
  • #3
Shyan said:
In fact the pattern becomes smaller and smaller

More precisely, the maxima (peaks) become narrower and narrower, and spaced closer and closer together.
 

Related to Double slit - slit separation

What is the double slit experiment?

The double slit experiment is a classic experiment in physics that demonstrates the wave-like behavior of particles. It involves shining a beam of particles, such as electrons or photons, through two parallel slits and observing the resulting interference pattern on a screen behind the slits.

What is slit separation?

Slit separation refers to the distance between the two slits in the double slit experiment. It is an important variable that affects the interference pattern produced by the particles passing through the slits. The wider the slit separation, the smaller the interference pattern will be.

How does slit separation affect the interference pattern?

The interference pattern produced by the double slit experiment is determined by the slit separation. When the slit separation is small, the interference pattern will have a larger width and smaller spacing between the fringes. As the slit separation increases, the interference pattern will become narrower with larger spacing between the fringes.

What is the relationship between slit separation and diffraction?

Slit separation and diffraction are closely related in the double slit experiment. As the slit separation decreases, the diffraction pattern produced by the particles passing through the slits becomes more pronounced. This is because a smaller slit separation allows for more diffraction to occur, resulting in a more complex interference pattern.

How does the material of the slits affect the interference pattern?

The material of the slits can affect the interference pattern in the double slit experiment. This is because different materials may have different properties, such as thickness or density, which can impact the diffraction and interference of the particles passing through the slits. However, in most cases, the material of the slits will not significantly alter the overall interference pattern.

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