Page 231 - Instant notes

Quantization of energy and particle-wave duality 217

h and negative y-intercept equal to the magnitude of the work function for that surface
(Fig. 3).

Fig. 3. Plot of photoelectron energy vs.
irradiation frequency. The gradient is
Planck’s constant

Young’s slit experiment

The Young’s slit experiment is the production of a distinctive diffraction pattern of
alternating dark and light fringes when light from a single source passes through two
closely spaced narrow slits (Fig. 4). The effect is readily explained in the wave
interpretation of light as arising from the alternating constructive interference (bright
areas) and destructive interference (dark areas) of wave fronts emanating from the two
slits.