Interference and Diffraction

Interference and Diffraction PhysicsAndMathsTutor.
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Interference and Diffraction

Q1.
In an experiment to determine the wavelength of light, a diffraction grating is illuminated with

light from a monochromatic source. A series of bright spots is observed.
The experiment is repeated and the distance between consecutive bright spots increases.
Select the row of the table that gives two changes to the experimental set up which would
both cause the distance between consecutive bright spots to increase.
(1)
(Total for question = 1 mark)
Q2.
In 1905 Einstein published his equation for the photoelectric effect.
In 1916 Millikan demonstrated that the maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons is

consistent with Einstein's equation.
Millikan used a device known as a monochromator to ensure that a single wavelength of

light was used to illuminate the surface of the lithium.
A monochromator separates wavelengths using a diffraction grating.
Calculate the angle at which a diffraction grating would produce the most intense line at a
single wavelength of 6.1 × 10−7 m.
number of lines per mm for grating = 600 mm−1

(3)
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Angle = ...........................................................
(Total for question = 3 marks)
Q3.
Read the extract and answer the question that follows.
In the 17th century there were two proposed theories to explain the refraction of light. Using
a wave model, Huygens stated that light slows down when it passes from air to water. Using
a particle model, Newton stated that light speeds up when it passes from air to water.
Newton's theory was more readily accepted until the speed of light in water was measured in
the 19th century.
In the early 20th century, Einstein used observations from the photoelectric effect to provide
evidence for the particle model of light.
Nowadays, both the wave model of light and the particle model of light are accepted, as
each can be used to explain different aspects of the behaviour of light.
Diffraction and interference can be explained using the wave model of light.
In an investigation to determine the wavelength of light from a laser, the light passed through
a diffraction grating with 300 lines per millimetre.
A diffraction pattern consisting of a series of bright dots was observed on a screen.
The following data were recorded:
distance between grating and screen = 2.00 m

distance from central maximum to 2nd order maximum = 89.0 cm.
Calculate the wavelength of light from the laser.

(3)
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Wavelength = ...........................................................
Q4.
Light from a laser pointer was passed through a diffraction grating. The light was
perpendicular to the diffraction grating as shown. A diffraction pattern was produced on a
screen.
The distance between the first order maximum and the central maximum of the diffraction
pattern was x. The distance between the diffraction grating and the screen was D.
Distance x was measured to be 0.500 m with a metre rule. The wavelength of light λ1 from
the laser pointer was 650 nm.
The laser pointer was replaced with one that produced light of a different wavelength. The
new distance x was measured to be 0.400 m.
D = 1.45 m
Calculate the wavelength λ2 of the light emitted by the replacement laser pointer.
(5)
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λ2 = ...........................................................

Q5.
In a spectrometer, light from a tube of hot gas is passed through a diffraction grating.
The diagram shows the zero order and the first order maxima for the line spectrum
produced.
(a) The spectrometer measures the angles between the different lines and the zero order.
One of the lines has a wavelength of 650 nm and is observed, in the first order spectrum, at
an angle of 19.9° from the zero order.
Calculate the number of lines per metre of the diffraction grating.
(3)
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Number of lines per metre = ...........................................................
(b) Explain one precaution that could be taken to ensure the accuracy of the measurement
of the angle.
(2)
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Q6.
A beam of light from a laser is directed at a diffraction grating.
The diagram shows the positions of the central maximum and the first order maxima on a
screen.
Which of the following would cause the first order maxima to be closer to the central
maximum on the screen?
(1)
A moving the laser closer to the grating
B moving the screen further from the grating
C using a grating with more lines per metre
D using laser light with a higher frequency
Q7.
For two waves of light to be coherent the waves must

(1)
A always have a phase difference equal to 0.
B oscillate in the same plane.
C have a similar amplitude.
D originate from one source.

Q8.
The arrangement shown was used to determine the wavelength of light emitted by a laser.
A laser light beam was shone at a diffraction grating. A series of dots of light was produced
on a screen. The angles θ between the light ray to the central dot and the light rays to the
dots labelled 1 to 4 were measured with a protractor.
Describe how the angle θ could be determined without using a protractor.

(2)
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Q9.
(a) Describe how the angle θ could be determined without using a protractor.
(2)
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(b) Plot a graph of n against sinθ on the grid below.

(4)
(c) The diffraction grating has 300 lines mm−1.
Determine the wavelength of the laser light.

(4)
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Wavelength = ...........................................................

Q10.
The diffraction grating has 300 lines mm−1.
Determine the wavelength of the laser light.

(4)
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Wavelength = ...........................................................

Q11.
The experiment was carried out with laser light of wavelength 600 nm. The diagram below
shows two paths taken by the light after it has passed through the two slits A and B. The
diagram is not to scale.
(i) Point O is a point equidistant from the two slits.

Explain why there is a bright line at this point.
(3)
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(ii) The next bright line is observed on the screen at point P. Lines AP and BP show the
path of the light from each slit to the screen at P.
State the difference in the lengths of the paths AP and BP.
(1)
Difference in lengths of paths = ...........................................................
Q12.
Barnard's star is a red dwarf star in the vicinity of the Sun. The wavelength of a line in the
spectrum of light emitted from Barnard's star is measured to be 656.0 nm. The same light
produced by a source in a laboratory has a wavelength of 656.2 nm.
A diffraction grating can be used to analyse the radiation emitted by a variety of sources.
(i) A diffraction grating of known grating spacing is used in a school laboratory to analyse
the light emitted by a laser.
Describe how the diffraction grating is used and the measurements that should be taken.
(3)
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(ii) A diffraction grating with grating spacing of 2.2 × 10−6 m is used to determine the
difference in wavelength for the spectral line emitted by Barnard's star.
Comment on the suitability of using a diffraction grating with this spacing. You should
include appropriate calculations.
(4)
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Q13.
In everyday life the effect of diffraction is more significant for sound than for light.
This is because
A light has a much shorter wavelength than sound.
B light is a transverse wave but sound is a longitudinal wave.
C light is an electromagnetic wave but sound is a mechanical wave.
D the speed of light in air is much higher than the speed of sound.
Q14.
Sound waves can diffract around obstacles as shown in the diagram.
The diffraction effect is
A greater for large amplitude sound waves.
B greater for low frequency sound waves.
C independent of the frequency of the sound waves.
D independent of the speed of the sound waves.

Q15.
A student obtains the following diffraction pattern on a wall by shining a red laser beam
through a single narrow slit.
The corresponding graph of intensity against position is shown below.
(a) Explain how the diffraction pattern is created.

(3)
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(b) Explain how the pattern would differ if green laser light were used instead of red laser
light.
(3)
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(c) A student replaces the single slit with a diffraction grating and obtains the pattern shown
in the photograph.
The photograph shows the zero order maximum and the first and second orders on either
side.
The student takes measurements to determine the grating spacing.
The student measures x, the distance between the zero order maximum and the first order
maximum, and y, the distance between the slit and the screen.
x = 23 cm
y = 1.5 m
Number of lines per millimetre = 300
Calculate the wavelength of light from the laser.

(3)
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Wavelength = ...........................................................

Q16.
The diffraction of light provides evidence for the wave theory of light.
A student carried out an investigation to determine the wavelength of the light emitted from a
laser pen.
He shone the light from the laser pen so that it was incident perpendicularly on a diffraction
grating. The diffraction grating had 200 lines per mm. He observed the diffraction pattern on
a screen 3.00 m away from the grating. The pattern consisted of a series of bright dots.
(i) Give a reason why a laser is a suitable source of light to produce a diffraction pattern.
(1)
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(ii) The student measured a distance of 102 cm between the central maximum and the
centre of a third order maximum.
The table shows the range of wavelengths for each colour of the visible spectrum.
Deduce the colour of the light emitted from the laser pen.
(5)
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Q17.
* The light from a lamp is reflected from the surface of a CD, which consists of a spiral track
of elongated bumps.
A physics student notices that although the light from the lamp is white, different colours are
seen in the reflected light. He suggests that the colours are produced when diffraction occurs
at the surface of the CD.
Discuss the extent to which the student's suggestion explains the presence of colours in the
light reflected from the surface of the CD.
(6)
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Q18.
A method to determine the wavelength of light using a converging lens was first proposed by
Sir Isaac Newton.
A converging lens is placed on a plane glass plate. The lens is illuminated from above with a
parallel beam of monochromatic light, as shown.
Some of the light is reflected from the upper surface of the lower glass plate and some from
the lower surface of the lens. Interference between these two reflected waves produces
circular fringes. The pattern is viewed through a microscope.
When considering the principles of this experiment, a student suggests that interference
fringes would only be produced with monochromatic light. This is because interference
requires coherent light waves.
Discuss the validity of the student's suggestion.

(4)
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Q19.
The diagram shows a coherent beam of light incident on a metal ball bearing.
A dark shadow is seen on a screen behind the ball bearing. There is a small spot of light in
the centre of the shadow. This spot of light is known as the Arago spot.
(a) Use Huygens' construction to explain the behaviour of light as it travels past the edge of
the ball bearing.
(2)
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(b) Explain why a spot of light is produced at the centre of the shadow.
(3)
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Q20.
Light can be modelled as a wave.
Diffraction provides evidence for the wave nature of light.
Use Huygens' construction to describe what happens to light waves after passing through a
narrow gap.
(3)
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Q21.
the 19th century.
A ray of light travelling in air is incident on some water with an angle of incidence of 35°. The
angle of refraction is 26°.
Deduce whether this is consistent with Huygens' statement about the speed of light as it
passes from air to water. Your answer should include a calculation.
(3)
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Q22.
the 19th century.
Give two reasons why Huygens' theory for the refraction of light eventually became
accepted.
(2)
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Q23.
Details supplied with a school microwave transmitter and receiver include the following
information:
A student uses the microwave transmitter and receiver to investigate interference using the
set-up shown.
As the receiver is moved along the dotted line, alternate points of maximum and minimum
intensity are detected.
Explain why points of maximum and minimum intensity are detected.

(4)
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Q24.
Plane wavefronts pass through a gap in a barrier. The gap is much smaller than the
wavelength of the wave.
Which diagram best shows the resultant shape of the wavefronts?

Q25.
In a concert hall, sound waves produced by an instrument are reflected from different parts
of the hall. Two coherent sound waves meet at a point where their phase difference is π.
What is the smallest possible path difference to produce this phase difference?
A λ/4
B λ/2
C 3λ/4
D λ

Q26.
A stationary interference pattern is created by the superposition of waves from two sources
which are close together.
For this to occur the waves must
A be in phase with each other.
B be transverse.
C have the same amplitude.
D have the same frequency.

Q27.
Huygens' principle states that every point on a wavefront is a source of wavelets which
spread out at the same speed.
State what is meant by a wavefront.

(1)
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Q28.
A monochromatic beam of light of wavelength λ from a laser is directed at a diffraction

grating of line spacing d.
A student calculates the value of d/λ in order to determine the expected number of visible
maxima.
The calculated value of d/λ is 4.7
How many maxima are visible?
A 4
B 5
C 9
D 11

Q29.
Read the passage and answer the question that follows.
Atoms can be promoted into an excited state when they absorb energy. This results in the
release of radiation at a random time. When several atoms are close together a quantum
effect can occur. When one atom emits radiation this affects all the other nearby excited
atoms. The excess energy of many of the atoms is released simultaneously and an intense
flash of light is produced. This effect is called superradiance and can be used to produce
lasers that emit a narrower range of frequencies than conventional lasers.
Superradiant lasers are highly monochromatic.
Explain why a monochromatic light source is important in diffraction experiments.

(3)
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Q30.
In an experiment to determine the speed of sound in air a student connected two

microphones to an oscilloscope, as shown.
The microphones detect sound from the loudspeaker, converting it to an electrical signal.
The signal is displayed on the oscilloscope screen.
Both microphones were initially positioned the same distance from the loudspeaker. The two
signals were in phase on the oscilloscope screen. The student slowly moved microphone 2
towards the loudspeaker, until the two signals on the oscilloscope were in phase again. He
then measured the distance d between the microphones to determine the wavelength λ of
the sound waves.
d = 20.5cm
The oscilloscope trace for the signal from microphone 1 is shown below.
The time base of the oscilloscope was set to 0.20 ms div-1.
Determine a value for the speed of sound in air.

(5)
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Speed of sound = ...........................................................

Q31.
The photograph shows an ultrasonic mouse repeller used in a house.
The mouse repeller produces ultrasound that repels mice but cannot be heard by humans.
The mouse hears ultrasound directly and by reflection from the walls.
The mouse repeller produces ultrasound of frequency 26.0 kHz.
speed of sound = 340 m s–1
A student makes the following suggestion.
"If the ultrasound reflects off a wall directly opposite the mouse repeller a standing wave is
formed, so there will be areas in the room where the mice will not hear the ultrasound."
Evaluate this suggestion.
(6)
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Q32.
A student used a diffraction grating to determine the wavelength of the light emitted by a
laser. Light from the laser passed through the diffraction grating and the student observed a
pattern on a wall 4 m away. The pattern consisted of a central maximum and 1st and 2nd
order maxima as shown.
The student measured the distance between the central and a 2nd order maximum as 1350
mm. The diffraction grating had 300 slits mm–1.
Measuring the distance between the two 2nd order maxima would produce a smaller
percentage uncertainty in the value of wavelength.
Give a reason why.

(1)
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Q33.
Read the following press release and then answer the question that follows.
"Lockheed Martin Demonstrates Weapons Grade High Power Fiber Laser
BOTHELL, Wash., Jan. 28, 2014 – Lockheed Martin has demonstrated a 30-kilowatt electric
fiber laser, the highest power ever documented while retaining beam quality and electrical
efficiency.
The internally funded research and development program culminated in this demonstration,
which was achieved by combining many fiber lasers into a single, near–perfect quality beam
of light – all while using approximately 50 percent less electricity than alternative solid–state
laser technologies. The unique process, called Spectral Beam Combining, sends beams
from multiple fiber laser modules, each with a unique wavelength, into a combiner that forms
a single, powerful, high quality beam."
(Source: Lockheed Martin Demonstrates Weapons Grade High Power Fiber Laser Wash
Bothell, Jan 28, 2014)
Traditional solid state lasers convert about 20% of electrical input energy to light output.
The high power laser uses Spectral Beam Combining involving several beams with different
wavelengths instead of a system using coherent beams.
Explain how combining coherent beams could lead to zero intensity in some parts of the
combined beam.
(3)
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Q34.
A two-beam oscilloscope is used to display signals from two microphones as shown.
Which of the following could be the phase difference in radians between the traces?

Q35.
* The photograph shows a pipe organ in a concert hall.
When the organ is played, sound travels through the air to a person in the audience as a
wave. It is found that there are some positions in the concert hall where particular
frequencies are quieter than others.
Explain why this might be the case and give an action that could be taken to eliminate this
problem.
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Q36.
The photograph shows an ultrasonic mouse repeller used in a house.
The mouse repeller produces ultrasound that repels mice but cannot be heard by humans.
The mouse hears ultrasound directly and by reflection from the walls.
The mouse repeller produces ultrasound of frequency 26.0 kHz.
speed of sound = 340 m s–1
State what is meant by superposition of waves.

(2)
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Q37.
screen.
In another experiment, the light from the laser pointer was not quite perpendicular to the
screen.
Explain how this would change the diffraction pattern produced on the screen.
(3)
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Q38.
screen.
Distance x was measured to be 0.500 m with a metre rule. The wavelength of light λ1 from
the laser pointer was 650 nm.
The laser pointer was replaced with one that produced light of a different wavelength. The
new distance x was measured to be 0.400 m.
D = 1.45 m
Explain one modification to this method that would decrease the uncertainty in the calculated
value of λ2.
(2)
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Q39.
The diagram shows a coherent beam of light incident on a metal ball bearing.
A dark shadow is seen on a screen behind the ball bearing. There is a small spot of light in
the centre of the shadow. This spot of light is known as the Arago spot.
François Arago first demonstrated this experiment in 1818 for a group of eminent scientists,
to show the behaviour of light.
State the model for the behaviour of light that this experiment demonstrated and explain why
the scientific community accepted this model.
(3)
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Q40.
The diffraction of light provides evidence for the wave theory of light.
The diagram represents wavefronts of light, incident at a single slit. The points labelled A, B
and C are points on the wavefront that has just passed through the gap.
(i) Describe what is meant by a wavefront.

(1)
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(ii) Add to the diagram to show how Huygens' construction can be used to determine the
shape of the next wavefront, after the wave has passed through the gap.
(3)

Q41.
A student used a diffraction grating to determine the wavelength of the light emitted by a
laser. Light from the laser passed through the diffraction grating and the student observed a
pattern on a wall 4 m away. The pattern consisted of a central maximum and 1st and 2nd
order maxima as shown.
The student measured the distance between the central and a 2nd order maximum as 1350
mm. The diffraction grating had 300 slits mm–1.
The colours and corresponding wavelengths of light emitted by commonly used lasers are
given in the table.
Deduce the colour of the laser light the student used in this experiment.
(4)
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Mark Scheme – Interference and Diffraction
Q1.
Q2.
Q3.
Q4.
Q5.
Q6.
Q7.
Q8.
Q9.
Q10.
Q11.
Q12.
Q13.
Q14.
Q15.
Q16.
Q17.
Q18.
Q19.
Q20.
Q21.
Q22.
Q23.
Q24.
Q25.
Q26.
Q27.
Q28.
Q29.
Q30.
Q31.
Q32.
Q33.
Q34.
Q35.
Q36.
Q37.
Q38.
Q39.
Q40.
Q41.

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Interference and Diffraction PhysicsAndMathsTutor.

Interference and Diffraction

In an experiment to determine the wavelength of light, a diffraction grating is illuminated with

(Total for question = 1 mark)

In 1905 Einstein published his equation for the photoelectric effect.

In 1916 Millikan demonstrated that the maximum kinetic energy of photoelectrons is

Millikan used a device known as a monochromator to ensure that a single wavelength of

A monochromator separates wavelengths using a diffraction grating.

number of lines per mm for grating = 600 mm−1

(Total for question = 3 marks)

Read the extract and answer the question that follows.

The following data were recorded:

distance between grating and screen = 2.00 m

Calculate the wavelength of light from the laser.

(Total for question = 5 marks)

Number of lines per metre = ...........................................................

A beam of light from a laser is directed at a diffraction grating.

B moving the screen further from the grating

C using a grating with more lines per metre

D using laser light with a higher frequency

(Total for question = 1 mark)

For two waves of light to be coherent the waves must

B oscillate in the same plane.

C have a similar amplitude.

D originate from one source.

(Total for question = 1 mark)

Describe how the angle θ could be determined without using a protractor.

(Total for question = 2 marks)

(b) Plot a graph of n against sinθ on the grid below.

(c) The diffraction grating has 300 lines mm−1.

Determine the wavelength of the laser light.

(Total for question = 10 marks)

The diffraction grating has 300 lines mm−1.

Determine the wavelength of the laser light.

(Total for question = 4 marks)

(i) Point O is a point equidistant from the two slits.

(Total for question = 7 marks)

A light has a much shorter wavelength than sound.

B light is a transverse wave but sound is a longitudinal wave.

C light is an electromagnetic wave but sound is a mechanical wave.

(Total for question = 1 mark)

Sound waves can diffract around obstacles as shown in the diagram.

The diffraction effect is

A greater for large amplitude sound waves.

B greater for low frequency sound waves.

C independent of the frequency of the sound waves.

D independent of the speed of the sound waves.

(Total for question = 1 mark)

The corresponding graph of intensity against position is shown below.

(a) Explain how the diffraction pattern is created.

Calculate the wavelength of light from the laser.

(Total for question = 9 marks)

(Total for question = 6 marks)

(Total for question = 6 marks)

Discuss the validity of the student's suggestion.

(Total for question = 4 marks)

(Total for question = 5 marks)

Light can be modelled as a wave.

Diffraction provides evidence for the wave nature of light.

(Total for question = 3 marks)