In a double-slit experiment, if the light source is changed from monochromatic to polychromatic, what happens to the interference pattern? (2019)

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Q: In a double-slit experiment, if the light source is changed from monochromatic to polychromatic, what happens to the interference pattern? (2019)

Solution: Using polychromatic light results in overlapping patterns of different wavelengths, causing the overall pattern to become broader.

Steps: 6

Step 1: Understand what monochromatic light is. It is light of a single wavelength (color).
Step 2: Understand what polychromatic light is. It is light that contains multiple wavelengths (colors).
Step 3: In a double-slit experiment, monochromatic light creates a clear interference pattern with distinct bright and dark fringes.
Step 4: When you switch to polychromatic light, you introduce multiple wavelengths at once.
Step 5: Each wavelength creates its own interference pattern, which overlaps with the others.
Step 6: The overlapping patterns from different wavelengths cause the overall interference pattern to become broader and less distinct.