IB PHYSICS HL(Higher level) – 2024 – Practice Questions- All Topics
Topic 9.3 Interference
Topic 9 Weightage : 5 %
All Questions for Topic 9.3 – Young’s double-slit experiment , Modulation of two-slit interference pattern by one-slit diffraction effect , Multiple slit and diffraction grating interference patterns , Thin film interference
Question
Light is incident on a diffraction grating. The wavelength lines 600.0 nm and 601.5 nm are just resolved in the second order spectrum. How many slits of the diffraction grating are illuminated?
A 20
B 40
C. 200
D. 400
▶️Answer/Explanation
Ans: C
Refer: https://www.iitianacademy.com/ib-unit-9-wave-phenomena-diffraction-interference-notes/
\(R= Nm =\frac{\lambda_{avg}}{\Delta \lambda}\)
In Given question
\(\lambda_1 = 600.0 nm , \lambda_2 = 601.5 \; nm\)
Hence \(\Delta \lambda = \lambda_2-\lambda_1\)
\(=601.5-600.0 = 1.5 \times 10^{-9}\)
also \(m= 2\)
\(\lambda_{avg} =\frac{\lambda_1+\lambda_2}{2}=\frac{601.5+600.0}{2} \approx 600 \times 10^{-9}\)
Putting in equation these values
\(Nm =\frac{\lambda_{avg}}{\Delta \lambda}\)
\(\therefore N= \frac{600 \times 10^{-9}}{2 \times 1.5 \times 10^{-9}}=\frac{600}{3}=200\)
Question
In a double-slit interference experiment, the following intensity pattern is observed for light of wavelength λ.
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The distance between the slits is d. What can be deduced about the value of the ratio \(\frac{\lambda }{d}\) and the effect of single-slit diffraction in this experiment?
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▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
B
\(d sin\theta = m \lambda \; maxima \; for \; m= \pm 1 ,\pm 2 etc.\)
for small \(\theta\)
\(d \; \theta = m \lambda\)
or
\(\frac{\lambda}{d } =\frac{\theta}{m}\)
for \(m =1\)
\(\frac{\lambda}{d } =\theta\)
Hence in given question
\(\theta = 0.01\)
We have seen that the interference maxima occur when d sinθ = mλ . On the other hand, the condition for the first diffraction minimum is a sinθ = λ . Thus, a particular interference maximum with order number m may coincide with the first diffraction minimum. The value of m may be obtained as:
\(\frac{d \; sin \theta}{a\; sin\theta}=\frac{m \lambda}{ \lambda}\)
or
\(m = \frac{d}{a}\)
Hence \(mth \) fringe will not be seen. Hence effect of single-slit diffraction in this experiment is non negligible
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Question
A parallel beam of monochromatic light of wavelength λ passes through a slit of width b and forms a diffraction pattern on a screen far from the slit. The angle at which the first diffraction minimum is f\med is θ.
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Which of the following changes in λ and b, carried out separately, will increase the value of θ?
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▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
D
we have equation for diffraction minima as
\(b sin \theta = n \lambda\)
Hence \(b sin \theta = \lambda\) (first minimum)
or
\(sin \theta \approx \theta =\frac{\lambda}{b}\)
\(\therefore \theta \uparrow \; if \lambda\uparrow or \; b \downarrow\)
Question
A coherent beam of light of wavelength λ is incident on a double slit. The width of the slits is small compared to their separation. An interference pattern is observed on a distant screen. O is the mid point of the screen.
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There is a bright fringe at O and a bright fringe at P. Between O and P there are three dark fringes.
Which of the following is the path difference between the light from the two slits arriving at P?
A. 1.5 λ
B. 2 λ
C. 3 λ
D. 4 λ
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
C
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Fringe width is \(\beta \)
\(\beta\) is given by
\(\beta = \frac{\lambda D}{d}\)
In given problem , \(\bar{OP}=y=\frac{\beta }{2}+\beta+\beta+\frac{\beta }{2}\)
\(=3\beta =3 \frac{\lambda D}{d}\)
Path difference is given by
\(S_2P – S_1P= \frac{yd}{D} =3 \frac{\lambda D}{d} \times\frac{d}{D} =3 \lambda\)
Question
A beam of monochromatic light is incident on a diffraction grating of N lines per unit length. The angle between the first orders is θ1.
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What is the wavelength of the light?
A. \(\frac{{\sin {\theta _1}}}{N}\)
B. N sin θ1
C. N sin\(\left( {\frac{{{\theta _1}}}{2}} \right)\)
D. \(\frac{{\sin \left( {\frac{{{\theta _1}}}{2}} \right)}}{N}\)
▶️Answer/Explanation
Markscheme
D
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\(d sin\theta = m \lambda\) for \(m= 0,1,2,3\) (maxima – line)
for \(1 st\) order m =1
\(d sin\theta = \lambda\)
Now \(\theta = \frac{\theta_1}{2} \) (\(\theta_1\) is for Both side of central maxima) also \(d=\frac{1}{N}\)
Hence
\(\lambda = \frac{sin \frac{\theta_1}{2}}{N}\)
