Q7DQ - University Physics with Modern Physics

Question

 Could the Young two-slit interference experiment be performed with gamma rays? If not, why not? If so, discuss differences in the experimental design compared to the experiment with visible light. 

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Due to the unavailability of the monochromatic source of gamma rays, it is not yet possible to perform the experiment. But theoretically, it is possible.

Step 1: Interference of light

The necessary and essential condition for the light waves to interfere is that the light waves should be coherent and monochromatic. If the light waves are not monochromatic, then instead of dark and bright fringes we will get cultured fringes.

Step 2: Determine whether it is possible to perform a two-slit interference experiment with gamma rays or not.

Due to the unavailability of a monochromatic source of gamma-ray, it is very difficult to perform Young’s two-slit interference experiment with gamma-ray. The experiment can be performed theoretically. But the wavelength of gamma rays is very small. As a result, the fringe width of the pattern will be too small to be observed.

Hence, Young’s two-slit interference experiment can be performed with gamma rays, theoretically but is very difficult to perform practically.