Question

Light of wavelength Xı illuminates a double slit, and interference fringes are observed on a screen behind the slits. When the wavelength is changed to λ2, the fringes get closer together. λ2 is _____λ1.

a. greater than less than
b. equal to
c. unrelated to

Answer 1

The new wavelength λ2 is shorter than the original wavelength λ1 because the interference fringes become closer together when the wavelength changes in Young's double-slit experiment.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the wavelength of light in Young's double-slit experiment changes and the interference fringes get closer together, it indicates that the new wavelength, λ2, is shorter than the original wavelength, λ1.

This conclusion is based on the formula Δy = xλ/d, where Δy is the distance between fringes, x is the distance from the slits to the screen, λ is the wavelength of the light, and d is the distance between the slits. As the wavelength decreases, so does the fringe spacing (Δy), causing the fringes to get closer together.