Trough

Definition

A trough is a local minimum or low point in a wave pattern, occurring between two crests or peaks. It is a fundamental concept in the study of wave phenomena and is particularly relevant in the context of Young's Double Slit Experiment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Young's Double Slit Experiment, the interference of light waves passing through the two slits results in the formation of alternating bright and dark regions, where the troughs of the waves cancel out the crests.
2. The position of the troughs in the interference pattern is determined by the wavelength of the light and the separation between the two slits.
3. The depth of the troughs, or the intensity of the dark regions, is influenced by the relative phase difference between the two interfering waves.
4. Troughs in the interference pattern are important for understanding the behavior of waves and the principles of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics.
5. The presence of troughs in the interference pattern is a key observation that supports the wave-like nature of light and the principles of constructive and destructive interference.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of troughs in the interference pattern observed in Young's Double Slit Experiment.
  • In Young's Double Slit Experiment, the interference of light waves passing through the two slits results in the formation of an interference pattern, where alternating bright and dark regions are observed. The dark regions, or troughs, occur when the crests of one wave interfere with the troughs of another wave, resulting in destructive interference. The position and depth of the troughs are determined by the wavelength of the light and the separation between the two slits, providing important information about the wave-like nature of light.
• Describe how the properties of troughs in the interference pattern can be used to understand the principles of wave-particle duality.
  • The presence of troughs in the interference pattern observed in Young's Double Slit Experiment supports the wave-like nature of light. The alternating bright and dark regions, where the troughs represent the points of destructive interference, demonstrate that light behaves as a wave. However, the discrete nature of the interference pattern, with well-defined bright and dark regions, also suggests that light exhibits particle-like properties. This dual nature of light, known as wave-particle duality, is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and is closely related to the properties of troughs in the interference pattern.
• Analyze the relationship between the wavelength of light, the separation of the slits, and the position of the troughs in the interference pattern observed in Young's Double Slit Experiment.
  • The position of the troughs in the interference pattern observed in Young's Double Slit Experiment is directly related to the wavelength of the light and the separation between the two slits. Specifically, the distance between the troughs is inversely proportional to the wavelength of the light and directly proportional to the separation between the slits. By analyzing the position and spacing of the troughs, it is possible to determine the wavelength of the light or the separation of the slits, which are crucial parameters in understanding the wave-like behavior of light and the principles of interference and diffraction.

Related terms

Crest:

The highest point of a wave, occurring between two troughs.

Interference:

The phenomenon where two or more waves interact, resulting in the creation of a new wave pattern.

Diffraction:

The bending of waves around the edges of an obstacle or through an aperture, causing the wave to spread out.