Space Explorers

One of the most curious properties of light is its wave behavior. In this laboratory, we will test the phenomenon of diffraction that describes how waves behave when they encounter an obstacle.

We begin by studying water-waves in glass aquariums, with emphasis on how waves can add and subtract when passing through slits (interference). Then, using a small light source such as a mag-lite without its top, students will observe similiar beaded interference patterns when light passes through a small opening (example).