Web-based Practice
Quantum Wave Interference by PhET
Course, Subject
Chemistry, Physics, Math, Science & Technology
Grade Levels
Commencement, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
Description
This simulation will allow students to gain a better understanding of quantum wave interference as they watch waves of different types of particles spread out and interfere as they pass through a double slit. Students will use quantum detectors to explore how measurements change the waves and the patterns they produce on the screen.
Using the simulation, students will:
- Visualize a photon, electron, neutron, or helium atom as a wave packet that collapses upon detection.
- Visualize what happens to the wave between slit and screen.
- Justify how the double slit experiment explains that matter and light behave as waves.
- Describe the behavior of a wave function in the presence of a detector, and explain how putting a detector over a slit destroys the interference pattern.
- Determine how the interference pattern will change if you change the mass, speed, or wavelength.
- Recognize large range of size scales involved in quantum interference experiments.
- Recognize that two coherent light sources can interfere, but only if they have the same wavelength.
Website(s)
PhET Interactive Simulations
Simulation
Click on the link below to view the simulation:
Requirements
Click here to view the download requirements for this website.
Content Provider
Physics Education Technology
The Physics Education Technology (PhET) project at the University of Colorado produces fun, interactive simulations of physical phenomena that make bridges to the real world.
