Last Minute Lecture

Light Wave Interference — Double-Slit, Thin Films & Michelson Interferometer Explained | Chapter 35 of University Physics Chapter 35 explores the wave nature of light through interference phenomena, from Young’s double-slit experiment to thin-film color effects and the precision of the Michelson interferometer. Understanding these patterns is crucial for applications in spectroscopy, metrology, and optical engineering. Watch the full video summary on YouTube to see visual demonstrations of each interference pattern. Principles of Interference & Coherent Sources Interference arises when two or more light waves overlap, with superposition leading to bright and dark fringes. Coherent sources maintain a constant phase relationship and identical frequency, making stable interference patterns possible—lasers are the most common coherent sources in the lab. Young’s Two-Slit Experiment In Young’s classic setup, light from a single source illuminates two narrow slits separa...