Wave Interference - Interference | Double Slit | Diffraction - PhET Interactive Simulations
Make waves with a dripping faucet, audio speaker, or laser! Add a second source to create an interference pattern. Put up a barrier to explore single-slit diffraction and double-slit interference. Experiment with diffraction through elliptical, rectangular, or irregular apertures.
Overview
Added
March 18, 2026
Subject & domain
physics · waves-sound
Grade range
Grade 9 (Freshman)–Grade 12 (Senior)
Page kind
Tool
Introduction
Wave Interference Simulation Overview
- Core Topics: Wave interference, double-slit experiments, and diffraction.
- Media Types: Simulations for water, sound, and light waves.
- Key Learning Objectives:
- Understanding the relationship between different wave types.
- Designing experiments to measure wave speed.
- Analyzing interference patterns generated by two sources.
- Identifying constructive and destructive interference points using visual observation and detectors.
- Observing wave behavior through single and double-slit barriers.
- Mathematical Application: Predicting light fringe locations using the formula $d \sin(\theta) = m\lambda$.
- Experimental Variables:
- Adjusting wavelength and aperture size to observe effects on diffraction patterns.
- Relating aperture geometry to resulting diffraction patterns.
- Using built-in tools like tape measures to verify theoretical predictions.
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