quantum · intermediate
Young's Double-slit Experiment
Also called: double-slit experiment
A landmark experiment performed by Thomas Young in 1801, in which light passing through two closely spaced narrow slits produced a pattern of alternating bright and dark bands, called an interference pattern, on a screen behind them. This result provided compelling evidence that light behaves as a wave, since only waves are known to interfere constructively and destructively in this characteristic way. A modern version of the experiment, performed with individual electrons or photons, also famously demonstrates wave-particle duality.