Diffraction at a grating

Principle

By carrying out this experiment using transmission gratings with largely differing grating constants, the students should gain an understanding of how these affect the interference pattern. Establishing the wavelength λ of light filtered with the red filter is a by-product of the experiment which could prompt consideration of error, since the individual measurements will result in differing values for the wavelength λ.

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

How does the grating constant affect the diffraction pattern of the grating? Using transmission gratings with different grating constants, investigate the relationship between the grating constant g and the distance d of the interference fringes.