This calculator helps physics enthusiasts and students to calculate the interference patterns created by the double-slit experiment, a fundamental phenomenon in optics.
Calculator
Results
Ecosystem of Authoritative Content
Data Source and Methodology
All calculations are based on principles from authoritative physics sources, including "Young's Experiment" as described in standard physics textbooks. All calculations are derived from these principles.
The Formula Explained
\( y = \frac{m \lambda L}{d} \) where:
- \( y \) is the fringe separation
- \( m \) is the fringe order
- \( \lambda \) is the wavelength
- \( L \) is the distance to the screen
- \( d \) is the distance between slits
Glossary of Variables
- Wavelength (nm): The distance between successive peaks of a wave.
- Distance Between Slits (mm): The separation between the two slits.
- Distance to Screen (m): The distance from the slits to the screen where the pattern is observed.
- Interference Pattern: The pattern resulting from the combination of different wave fronts.
Example Calculation
Using a wavelength of 500 nm, slit distance of 0.5 mm, and screen distance of 2 m, the interference pattern can be calculated to show fringe spacing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is double-slit interference?
It is the phenomenon where light passing through two slits creates a pattern of bright and dark fringes on a screen due to interference.
How do I use this calculator?
Enter the wavelength, distance between slits, and distance to the screen, then press calculate.
What units should I use?
Ensure the wavelength is in nanometers, slit distance in millimeters, and screen distance in meters.
What does the result represent?
The result shows the spacing of bright fringes on the screen.
Why is this experiment important?
The double-slit experiment is crucial in demonstrating the wave nature of light.
Formula (LaTeX) + variables + units
','
\( y = \frac{m \lambda L}{d} \) where: \( y \) is the fringe separation \( m \) is the fringe order \( \lambda \) is the wavelength \( L \) is the distance to the screen \( d \) is the distance between slits
- No variables provided in audit spec.
- NIST — Weights and measures — nist.gov · Accessed 2026-01-19
https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures - FTC — Consumer advice — consumer.ftc.gov · Accessed 2026-01-19
https://consumer.ftc.gov/
Last code update: 2026-01-19
- Initial audit spec draft generated from HTML extraction (review required).
- Verify formulas match the calculator engine and convert any text-only formulas to LaTeX.
- Confirm sources are authoritative and relevant to the calculator methodology.