Concepts

Interference, diffraction

Overview

This is a simple experiment to show the diffraction pattern of a light passing through a small slit formed by two fingers held together close to the eye.

Details

Equipment

• [1] Light bulb with vertical filament
• [1] Bulb socket

Script

1. Place the light bulb somewhere in the classroom where it is visible to all students.
2. Ask students to look at the light bulb through a small slit formed by holding two fingers together close to their eye.
3. You should see a diffraction pattern that changes as you increase or decrease your finger gap.

Additional Resources