In looking at a series of bright and dark fringes on a screen, how would one determine whether the pattern was created by a double- slit or a single- slit? why is there this difference in pattern?
One can determine whether the pattern was created by a double-slit or a single-slit by observing the pattern closely. If the pattern shows a central bright fringe flanked by alternating bright and dark fringes, it indicates a double-slit pattern. On the other hand, if there is a single central bright fringe flanked by narrower and less distinct bright and dark fringes, it indicates a single-slit pattern.
The difference in pattern is due to the different ways in which the two types of slits diffract light. In a double-slit experiment, the light passing through each slit interferes with each other creating an interference pattern on the screen. On the other hand, in a single-slit experiment, light passing through the slit diffracts, spreading out and interfering with itself, creating the diffraction pattern. The central bright fringe in a single-slit pattern is due to constructive interference of the diffracted light waves at the center of the pattern. The narrower and less distinct bright and dark fringes, known as secondary maxima and minima, are caused by interference between the diffracted waves.