Today, we started the Physical Optics unit in AP Physics 2. I demonstrated various examples of diffraction and interference phenomenon with this apparatus which holds a plate with several different types of single and double slits and diffraction gratings. I’ve also mounted a thin wire to demonstrate refraction around an object.
While, students find the demonstrations interesting, I didn’t help them appreciate the incredible precise measurements you can make by leveraging these phenomena. I think next year, I need to take a different approach and develop a paradigm lab to start this unit.
##setbacks ##optics