Constructive interference occurs when two or more waves superpose to form a wave with a larger amplitude. In a double slit experiment, this happens when the path difference between the two waves is an integer multiple of the wavelength.
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Constructive interference results in bright fringes on the screen in a double slit experiment.
The condition for constructive interference is given by $d \sin(\theta) = m\lambda$, where $d$ is the slit separation, $\theta$ is the angle of diffraction, $m$ is the order of the fringe, and $\lambda$ is the wavelength of light.
Constructive interference produces maxima at points where waves from both slits are in phase.
The central maximum (m=0) is always located at the midpoint directly opposite to the slits.
Higher-order maxima ($m = \pm1, \pm2, ...$) are symmetrically distributed on either side of the central maximum.
Review Questions
What conditions must be met for constructive interference to occur in a double slit experiment?
How does constructive interference affect the appearance of fringes on a screen?
Explain why maxima are formed at specific angles during constructive interference.
Related terms
Destructive Interference: Occurs when two waves superpose to form a wave with a smaller (or zero) amplitude due to their phase difference.
Path Difference: The difference in distance traveled by two waves from different sources to reach a common point.
Fringe Spacing: The distance between adjacent bright or dark fringes on an interference pattern.
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