Predicting the Interference Pattern from a Double and Triple Slit Experiment with Geometry

Overview

Objectives/Goals My objective is to confirm or refute equations I have derived predicting the interference pattern from double and triple slit experiments. Methods/Materials I wrote a program in Google Spreadsheets which graphed the interference pattern for two and three slits over varying experimental parameters. I built a clear Acrylic water wave table, and shone a light through the table. The light projected the wave patterns as shadows below. I created waves using a solenoid oscillating with two and three pointed attachments I designed and 3D printed. The solenoid was controlled by an Arduino through a relay, and powered by a DC power supply. The Arduino ran a program I wrote, allowing me to control the wave frequency. I measured the least and greatest distances between the innermost interference areas 5 cm from the point of emanation over various frequencies, to compare with my predictions. Results I compared my predictions with the measurements from the wave table for both the double and triple slit setup over various frequencies. 75% of the data points matched the prediction, and 100% of the data points were within the margin of error introduced through the measurement process. Conclusions/Discussion I set up my experiment to disprove my equations, which predict the interference patterns of double and triple slit experiments over varying experimental parameters. In contrast, the data I took supports my hypothesis by showing that my equations accurately predict the interference patterns resulting from double and triple slit setups.

Awards (1)

• Third Place

Competition history

• CSEF 2018 Physics & Astronomy · Entry J1803

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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