Principle
Once it has been recognised in lessons that light can be reflected and refracted just like water waves, the question poses itself of whether light has wave character. If it does, then it must be possible to demonstrate interference phenomena as with water waves.
This experiment on diffraction at an optical grating provides a convincing proof of the interference properties of (visible) light and hence of its wave character.
Benefits
- Multifunctional light box - All-in-one: Can be used for geometric optics on the table, colour mixing and on an optical bench
- Extension with others sets at anytime, no additional light sources needed, recognition value for students
Tasks
Investigate the phenomena occurring when a light beam passes through an optical grating.