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Physics Department

Location: 180-204
Phone: (805) 756-2448
Fax: (805) 756-2435
Email: physics@calpoly.edu
Chair: Jennifer Klay

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Physics 132 Week 4

Interference

Two Source Interference

Two transparencies, representing circular wave fronts, are superimposed on overhead projector or document camera. By slowly sliding them over each other you will demonstrate an 2-D interference pattern.

N-Slit Interference

A Cornell slide consists of multiple slit configurations. Rotate the slide to the desired location, and the shine the accompanying laser through it to show how changing the number of slits effects light interference.

Newton's Rings

When looking at the Newton's Rings apparatus you can visually identify interference patterns. You can put this under a document camera or use a mercury light source and reflect it off the Newton's ring apparatus to show the interference to students.   **Do Not Adjust The Screws** (No video available)

Diffraction

Single Slit Diffraction Slides

An adjustable Cornell Slide and laser are set on a track. Chose the slit width that you want, and turn the laser on. This works best when the laser is as close as possible to the aperture.

Adjustable Single Slit Diffraction

In order to show your students how slit width affects diffraction send a laser beam is sent through an adjustable single slit. You adjust the slit width by rotating the knob on top of the aperture.

Color Spectrum with Diffraction Gratings

Either pass out diffraction gratings to your students and allow them to look at different light sources, or set up different light sources behind our large diffraction grating. 

Spectrum Tubes 

When students view these energized gas emission tubes through a diffraction grating they will be able to see the Balmer series for each element. **Do Not Touch The Exposed Leads, and be aware that the emission tubes heat up rapidly if left energized for too long.**

Diffraction Gratings

Here is an assortment of the diffraction gratings we have in the demo room.

(No video available)

Compact Disk Diffraction

When you shine a laser on a CD it diffracts! Show your students that a CD does in fact have microscopic texture.

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