How can we measure the wavelength of light?

1 Answer
Gió
May 8, 2018

I would use Young's Double Slit Experiment (1801).

Explanation:

This is one of the classical experiments in Optics and I think it was used by Young to evaluate the wavelength #lambda# of Sun light.
Here it is a diagram of the set up:
HyperPhysics Concepts

on the screen you will detect a series of bright and dark frinjes whose positions, #y#, can help you to evaluate the wavelength (#m# is the order, zero for the central maximum and #1, 2, 3,...# for the other maxima above or below the central maximum).

Related questions
See all questions in Light and Fundamental Forces
Impact of this question
1976 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License