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Learning Introductory Physics with Activities

Section 20.5 Challenge - Optical Applications

Subsubsection Explanation Task

Subsubsection A*R*C*S Activities

A*R*C*S 20.5.1. Intensity on the Screen.

You have a laser with wavelength \(\lambda = 550 \mathrm{~nm}\text{.}\) You shine this laser through the mask with two slits shown below, where \(s = 0.5 \mathrm{~mm}\text{.}\) Create and label a diagram of the pattern that appears on a screen that has been placed a distance \(L = 2.0 \mathrm{~m}\) away from the mask. The location of bright and dark spots should be quantitatively accurate; the relative intensity should be qualitatively accurate. Your diagram should include many bright and dark spots (enough to see all the interesting parts of the pattern), and you should include additional diagrams alongside your sensemaking.
Figure 20.5.1. A mask with two slits.

Subsubsection Metacognitive Reflection