GOALS

Physics

• Study diffraction and interference effects using microwaves and single or double slit screens.

Technique

• Use left-right symmetry to make accurate angle-intensity measurements.

Errors

• Convert angle measurement errors into wavelength uncertainty (requiring more sophisticated analysis than for linear functions).
• Trying to verify that the various ways of finding ₀ agree, within errors, with each other and with Exp. 4.

Question (Work out in lab book before coming to class)

The maxima of Eq. 2 don't fall exactly half way between the minima. Explain why, using calculus.

References

• Halliday and Resnick, 3rd Ed., Ch. 40 and 41
• Young, University Physics, 8th Ed., Ch. 37 and 38

COMMENT

It is probably best if this experiment follows Exp. 4.