Difference between revisions of "Double-slit experiment"
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The experiment is easy to do, but difficult to understand. It consists of setting up a light source on one side, facing a barrier (such as a piece of cardboard) that has two slits in it to permit some light to pass through to a distant wall on the other side. If both slits are open, then one pattern is observed on the distant wall. But if one slit is covered, then a completely different pattern is then seen on the distant wall. | The experiment is easy to do, but difficult to understand. It consists of setting up a light source on one side, facing a barrier (such as a piece of cardboard) that has two slits in it to permit some light to pass through to a distant wall on the other side. If both slits are open, then one pattern is observed on the distant wall. But if one slit is covered, then a completely different pattern is then seen on the distant wall. | ||
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| + | This simple experiment demonstrates that the wave-particle duality of light. Light behaves as a wave when both slits are open, such that the wave simultaneously passes through both slits and creates an interference pattern on the distant wall, but more like a particle when only one slit is open, such that there is no interference pattern. | ||
The experiment can also be done with particles, such that a series of particles are directed at a grid, or other similar device, while observing the pattern on the other side. | The experiment can also be done with particles, such that a series of particles are directed at a grid, or other similar device, while observing the pattern on the other side. | ||
[[Category:physics]] | [[Category:physics]] | ||
[[Category:Quantum Mechanics]] | [[Category:Quantum Mechanics]] | ||
Revision as of 19:20, May 6, 2012
The double-slit experiment is a physics experiment which demonstrates wave-particle duality.
The experiment is easy to do, but difficult to understand. It consists of setting up a light source on one side, facing a barrier (such as a piece of cardboard) that has two slits in it to permit some light to pass through to a distant wall on the other side. If both slits are open, then one pattern is observed on the distant wall. But if one slit is covered, then a completely different pattern is then seen on the distant wall.
This simple experiment demonstrates that the wave-particle duality of light. Light behaves as a wave when both slits are open, such that the wave simultaneously passes through both slits and creates an interference pattern on the distant wall, but more like a particle when only one slit is open, such that there is no interference pattern.
The experiment can also be done with particles, such that a series of particles are directed at a grid, or other similar device, while observing the pattern on the other side.