A double-slit experiment is performed using monochromatic light of wavelength $\lambda = 600\ \text{nm}$ . The two slits are separated by $d = 0.25\ \text{mm}$ , and the screen is placed from the slits.

HLPaper 1A

Which unit is used to express the number of lines on a diffraction grating?

IB Physics Topic C.3 Wave Phenomena Questionbank

Practice IB Physics Topic C.3 Wave Phenomena with authentic exam-style questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank focuses on the exact syllabus content for C.3 Wave Phenomena and mirrors Paper 1A, 1B, 2 style where relevant.

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State the equation that relates angle of incidence and refraction.

[1]

(c)

Calculate the angle of refraction in glass of refractive index $n = 1.50$ .

[2]

D = 1.5\ \text{m}

D = 1.5 m

(a)

Calculate the separation between adjacent bright fringes on the screen.

[2]

(b)

The experiment is repeated using light of shorter wavelength. Predict and explain the effect this has on the fringe pattern.

[2]

(c)

Determine the effect of doubling the slit separation on the fringe spacing.

[1]

(d)

Suggest one practical reason why increasing slit separation might reduce the visibility of the interference pattern.

[1]

(e)

Explain why coherent light is necessary in a double-slit interference experiment.

[2]

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Making the gap wider than the wavelength

Increasing the wave's frequency

Using a shorter wavelength

Using a wavelength similar to the gap size

$\text{J m}^{-1}$

$\text{lines s}^{-1}$

$\text{lines mm}^{-1}$

$\text{Hz}$