Amity International School, Noida

Physics, Class – XII

Activity-5

Objective:
To observe diffraction of light due to a thin slit between sharp edges of razor blades.

Apparatus:
Two razor blades, adhesive tapes, a screen, a source of monochromatic light (laser torch), black paper and a glass plate.

Diagram

Theory: diffraction is a phenomenon of bending of light around the corners or edges of a fine opening or aperture. It
is prominent when the size of the opening is comparable to the wavelength of waves. The diffraction pattern arises due
to the interference of light waves from different symmetrical points of the same wave fronts. The diffraction pattern due
to a single slit consists of a central bright band followed by alternate dark and weak bright bands of decreasing intensity
on both sides.
The central bright band is confined between the two minimas corresponding to d sinθ = +λ or –λ
here, d = size of the aperture or the slit
θ = angle of diffraction
λ = wavelength of light used

Procedure:

• Fix the black paper on the glass plate using adhesive.

• Place two razor blades so that their sharp edges are parallel and extremely close to each other to form a
narrow slit in between.

• Cut the small slit in between the sharp edges of blades and place at suitable distance from a wall or screen of
a dark room.

• Throw a beam of light on the slit by the laser pencil.

• A diffraction pattern of alternate bright & dark bands is seen on the wall
Conclusion:
When light waves are incident on a slit or aperture, they bend away (spread) at the corners of the slit showing the
phenomenon of diffraction of light.

Precautions:
(i) Air gaps should not be left between glass plate & black paper.
(ii) The razor blades should be placed as close as possible.
(iii) Diffraction pattern should be observed on a wall in a dark room.
(iv) A monochromatic source of light such as a laser torch should be used.