why is the intensity of the central maximum the brightest compared to other maxima even though all maxima undergo complete constructive interference? (1 Viewer)

[anonymoushehe]

^^?

 

[raardo]

Intensity of light follows the inverse square law, something you would've covered in year 11. The distance is further to the other antinodes (bright spots) and therefore the intensity is lower.

 

[anonymoushehe]

oh wait that is so true ty

 

[wizzkids]

Intensity of light follows the inverse square law, something you would've covered in year 11. The distance is further to the other antinodes (bright spots) and therefore the intensity is lower.

Ahh, no. That's not correct.
The intensity distribution function has nothing to do with this kind of "inverse square" consideration.
Here is a plot of the actual intensity distribution function for the double-slit interference pattern.

As you can see it has features that have no relation to "inverse square" type considerations. In fact, the intensity distribution function comes about from the super-imposition of two intensity distribution functions. The double-slit interference pattern (that produces the closely-spaced fringes) is modulated by the single-slit interference pattern (that produces the broad central bright spot and the widely spaced fringes). The resulting interference pattern is quite complex as shown above.

 

[coolcat6778]

Ahh, no. That's not correct.
The intensity distribution function has nothing to do with this kind of "inverse square" consideration.
Here is a plot of the actual intensity distribution function for the double-slit interference pattern.
View attachment 48174
As you can see it has features that have no relation to "inverse square" type considerations. In fact, the intensity distribution function comes about from the super-imposition of two intensity distribution functions. The double-slit interference pattern (that produces the closely-spaced fringes) is modulated by the single-slit interference pattern (that produces the broad central bright spot and the widely spaced fringes). The resulting interference pattern is quite complex as shown above.

you can get away with saying inverse square in the hsc cause the hsc markers have idea of actual physics lol