Group 5: Final Report

Part 1: Measuring the Wavelength of Light with Diffraction

The experiment on measuring the wavelength of light with diffraction explores the wave nature
of light by investigating its diffraction patterns. The diffraction grating equation forms the basis
for this study, relating the angle of diffraction, wavelength of light, and spacing between
diffracting elements. Accurate knowledge of light's wavelength is crucial in various scientific
and technological applications. The report focuses on the experimental setup, methodology,
and data analysis to extract information about light's nature through diffraction. The outcomes
aim to enhance our understanding of optical phenomena and contribute to precise wavelength
determination in scientific disciplines.

Key Words:
Diffraction . Wavelength of Light . Diffraction Grating Equation . Interference Patterns . Wave-Particle
Duality . Optics

APPROXIMATE PERFORMANCE TIME: 5 hours

1. Conceptual Objectives
• Understanding Diffraction
• Applying Diffraction Grating Equation
• Relating Theory to Experiment
• Recognizing Interference Patterns
• Exploring Practical Applications

2. Experimental Objectives:
In this experiment, the diffraction of light is examined to determine its wavelength, utilizing the
diffraction grating equation.
3. Theoretical Introduction

1. The Wave Nature of Light: Light is a phenomenon that defies easy categorization, revealing
both particle-like and wave-like behaviors. The wave nature of light becomes particularly
apparent when it interacts with obstacles, leading to a fascinating phenomenon known as
diffraction. In diffraction, light waves undergo bending and interference as they encounter
barriers or apertures, creating intricate patterns that provide valuable insights into the nature
of light.

2. The Diffraction Grating Equation: At the heart of our experimental endeavor lies the
diffraction grating equation, a cornerstone in the field of optics.

dsin(θ)=nλ

• d represents the distance between adjacent diffracting elements in the diffraction

grating, such as slits or rulings.
• θ is the angle of diffraction, which is the angle between the incident light direction and
the direction of the diffracted light.
• n is the order of the diffraction maximum. It is an integer that represents the number of
the diffraction maximum being observed.
• λ is the wavelength of the incident light.

This equation establishes a fundamental relationship between the angle of diffraction, the
wavelength of light, and the characteristics of diffracting elements such as gratings or slits. The
diffraction grating equation serves as a powerful tool for quantifying the wave properties of
light, allowing us to extract precise information about its wavelength.

3. Exploring Diffraction Patterns: Central to the experiment is the exploration and analysis of
diffraction patterns. When light waves encounter obstacles or slits, they create distinctive
interference patterns that can be observed and measured. These patterns serve as a visual
representation of the wave nature of light, showcasing the constructive and destructive
interference that occurs as light waves interact with the diffracting elements.

4. Precision Wavelength Measurement: Our primary goal is to measure the wavelength of light
with precision. This involves a meticulous application of the diffraction grating equation,
utilizing the observed angles of diffraction and the known characteristics of the diffracting
elements. By carefully analyzing these measurements, we can derive accurate values for the
wavelength of light, emphasizing the importance of precision in scientific measurements.
4. Apparatus:

1. Green Laser (532 nm)

2. Screen
3. Diffraction Gratings:
a. 60 micrometers
b. 2 micrometers
4. White screen
5. Light Filter
6. Marker
7. Ruler

5 Experimental Method:
5.1 Preparation:
Setup Preparation:
• We began by setting up the experiment as shown below.

Light Source Alignment:

• We aligned the laser to ensure a stable and well-defined wavelength for the incident
light.
Diffraction Grating Installation:
• We carefully installed a diffraction grating with a slit spacing (d) of 60 micrometers in
the path of the incident light.
Screen Placement:
• We placed a screen at a distance of 51 cm from the diffraction grating to capture and
observe the resulting diffraction patterns.
• We attached white sheet on the screen.
Safety Precaution:
• We used a light filter to reduce the intensity of the laser light to prevent eye damage.
• We also made use of protective eye wear.
• We turned the laser off after small time intervals, to prevent overheating.
• We also placed obstacles behind the laser to prevent the reflected beams from
damaging other students’ eyes.

5.2 Data Collection:

• Once our apparatus was completely set up, we turned on the laser and observed an
interference pattern on the white sheet.
• We carefully marked the bright fringes on both horizontal and vertical axis using a
marker and we took extra precaution not to move the white sheet during this process.
• Once we had successfully marked the position of bright fringes of the first, second, and
third order, we switched off the laser and cautiously removed the white sheet from the
screen.
• We proceeded to take measurements of the distance between the bright fringes of first
order, and second order respectively using a Vernier caliper to increase the precision of
our readings
• The experiment produced the following interference pattern.
• We repeated the experiment using a diffraction grating of 2 micrometers. We changed
the distance between the diffraction grating and the screen to 48cm,30 cm, and 16cm
and recorded the positions of the first and second order fringes respectively. (As this
experiment did not produce vertical fringes, we only measured positions for the
horizontal fringes.). We used different colored markers to mark the position of the
fringes on the same sheet.

• This experiment produced the following interference pattern:

5.3 Data Analysis:
• We proceeded to find the wavelength of the laser light for each set of values obtained
for the distance between fringes of the same order on the same axis using the following
formulas:
o To obtain the angle between zeroth order and the required order:
x=Tan-1(distance between corresponding fringes/2)/ (distance between screen
. and diffraction grating)
o To obtain wavelength:
Wavelength= ((line spacing of diffraction grating) *(sin(x)))/(order of the bright
fringe)
• We obtained the results shown in the table below:
 • By further averaging the two values of average wavelength obtained, we obtain the final
experimental value of wavelength: 553 nm

Possible causes for error:

• Difficulty in making spots on the white sheet, the white sheet was not of an appropriate
size and completely without bends for it to be attached to the screen properly. This
caused slight inaccuracy in our measurements.
• The laser and the grating were not completely perpendicular to screen, as the grating
was not fully fixed or aligned so it swayed slightly every time the laser was activated,
which caused inaccurate results.
• We didn’t have a grid available to attach on screen, which made it difficult for us to
accurately measure the fringe distances.
• The diffraction grating might have collected dust or dirt which may have affected the
interference pattern.
5.4 Conclusion:
• To find percentage error, we used the following formula: Percentage Error =
((Experimental Number – Actual Number)/ Actual number) x 100 and obtained a value
of 4% for the percentage error.
• In conclusion, our experiment utilizing diffraction gratings to measure the wavelength of a green
light laser yielded a precise value of 553 nm. This result aligns with the expected wavelength
range for green light, typically falling within the 495 to 570 nm range. The success of our
experiment can be attributed to the meticulous alignment of the monochromatic light source,
the careful calibration of the diffraction grating, and the systematic measurement of diffraction
angles. The incorporation of a light filter not only ensured monochromatic conditions but also
prioritized safety by reducing light intensity, with safety goggles worn throughout. The accuracy
of our findings underscores the reliability of the diffraction grating equation and the
effectiveness of our experimental setup.
 Part 2: Investigating Optical Rotation of Light
The investigation of optical rotation delves into the captivating phenomenon where the plane of
polarized light undergoes rotation as it traverses through certain substances. Rooted in the fundamental
principles of chirality, this optical property has been a subject of scientific exploration for centuries.

This experiment investigates the interplay of polarized light and optically active solutions. Polarizers are
combined with substances capable of rotating the plane of polarized light. The study aims to understand
the principles of optical polarization, examine the impact of optically active solutions on light
polarization, and uncover the molecular mechanisms at play.

Key words:
Optical polarization. Polarizers. Optically Active Solutions. Chiral Molecules. Achiral Molecules.
Plane of Polarization. Rotation

1. Theoretical introduction:
1.1 Key Definitions:

1. Optical Rotation:
Optical rotation refers to the rotation of the plane of polarization of linearly polarized light as it
passes through an optically active substance. This rotation is caused by the interaction between
the electric field of the light wave and the asymmetric molecular structure of the substance. The
degree of rotation is often measured in degrees and is specific to the substance, concentration,
wavelength, and the path length of the sample.
2. Specific Rotation:
Specific rotation ([θ]) is a property of optically active substances that quantifies their ability to
rotate polarized light. It can also be defined as the change in orientation of monochromatic
plane-polarized light, per unit distance–concentration product, as the light passes through a
sample of a compound in solution.
Values for specific rotation are reported in units of deg·mL·g−1 ·dm−1, which may be shortened
to just deg.
The formula for calculating specific rotation is: [θ]= θ/(C*L)
Where Θ=Phase difference
C= concentration in g/mL
L= path length in decimeters
3. Optically Active Substances:
Optically active substances are compounds that have the ability to rotate the plane of polarized
light. These substances are typically chiral, meaning they lack a superimposable mirror image
due to their asymmetric molecular arrangement. Common examples include sugars, amino
acids, and certain organic molecules. The direction and magnitude of optical rotation depend on
the specific molecular structure of the substance.
 4. Polarized Light:
Light consists of electromagnetic waves oscillating in various directions. Polarized light is light in
which the vibrations occur predominantly in a single plane. This can be achieved by using
polarizers, which selectively transmit light waves vibrating in a particular direction while
blocking others. Linearly polarized light is often used in experiments involving optical rotation.

1.2 Conceptual Objectives:

1. Understanding optical polarization
2. Studying optically active solutions
3. Quantifying polarization changes

1.3 Experimental Objectives:

1. Characterizing optically active solutions
2. Measuring rotation angles
3. Comparing different optically active substances

2 Apparatus:
1. Laser
2. Solution tubes
3. Optically active solutions
a. Glucose
b. Tartaric acid
4. Optically inactive solutions
a. Distilled Water
b. NaCl
5. Polarizers
6. Photodetector
7. Light filter
2 Experimental method:
2.1 Preparation:
Set up the apparatus as shown below.

Next, we formed solutions for NaCl, Glucose and Tartaric Acid. We added 4g powder of each
substance into 20 ml of water. These solutions were then added to a glass jar, like the one
shown in the diagram above. There was also a tube containing distilled water.

2.2 Procedure:
The angle of the first polarizer was set to 0 degrees and not changed throughout the whole
experiment.
The distances between the apparatus were also kept constant.
Initially, there was no solution placed between the polarizers.

The angle on the second polarizer was initially set to 240 degrees (beta), and then changed gradually by
20 degrees.

Resistance was measured in kilo ohms by a multimeter for all the values of beta angle.

Intensity was calculated by taking the reciprocal of resistance.

The procedure was repeated with Glucose solution, Tartaric acid and Sodium Chloride solution.
2.3 Data Collection:
The following data was collected:
Beta angle Intensity
(degrees) No Solution Glucose NaCl Tartaric Acid
No jar Jar + water (20g/100ml) (20g/100ml) (20g/100ml)
240 0.19 0.10 0.14 0.10 0.15
260 0.20 0.10 0.14 0.10 0.15
280 0.19 0.10 0.14 0.10 0.14
300 0.17 0.09 0.13 0.09 0.13
320 0.14 0.09 0.11 0.09 0.11
340 0.12 0.09 0.10 0.09 0.10
0 0.11 0.09 0.10 0.09 0.10
20 0.14 0.10 0.11 0.10 0.12
40 0.18 0.11 0.13 0.10 0.14
60 0.20 0.10 0.14 0.11 0.15
80 0.21 0.10 0.14 0.10 0.15
100 0.19 0.10 0.13 0.10 0.14
120 0.17 0.10 0.13 0.10 0.13
140 0.13 0.09 0.11 0.09 0.11
160 0.11 0.09 0.10 0.09 0.10
180 0.12 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10
200 0.14 0.10 0.11 0.10 0.12
220 0.18 0.10 0.12 0.10 0.13
 2.4 Data Plotting:

Using Matlab, the intensities were plotted against the angle beta (x):

Intensity

Beta angle (degrees)

Note: When we measured the intensities of light without any jar in between, they came out to be
greater than when a jar with distilled water was placed in between. This is because the glass of jar itself
also refracts light.
2.5 Results/Calculation of Specific Rotation:
We take the values of Intensities through water as reference values, to calculate the
phase difference.
a. Water:

We used curve fitting tool to fit a custom equation graph on the values, with the help of
Maluss’s law.
The variable ‘d’ here represents the phase.
So the phase of distilled water is 12.92.
We will use this value to calculate the phase difference of the optically active solutions.
b. NaCl:

After fitting the curve with custom equation the variable ‘d’ represents the
phase of the NaCl Solution.

So phase is 13.03

Phase difference= 13.03-12.92= 0.11

Concentration is 0.2g/mL
The path length is 0.2845 dm

Using the formula:

Specific rotation value= 0.11/(0.2*0.2845)
= +2 degrees
c. Glucose:

After fitting the curve with custom equation the variable ‘d’ represents the
phase of the Glucose Solution.

So phase is 17.21.

Phase difference= 17.21-12.92= 4.29

Concentration is 0.2g/mL
The path length is 0.2845 dm

Using the formula:

Specific rotation value= 4.29/(0.2*0.2845)
= +75 degrees
d. Tartaric acid:

After fitting the curve with custom equation the variable ‘d’ represents the
phase of the Tartaric acid.

So phase is 13.38.

Phase difference= 13.38-12.92= 0.46

Concentration is 0.2g/mL
The path length is 0.2845 dm

Using the formula:

Specific rotation value= 0.46/(0.2*0.2845)
= +9 degrees
2.6 Analysis of data:
1. Glucose: The calculated specific rotation value for Glucose was determined to be +75
degrees. However, the expected value for Glucose's specific rotation is commonly
known to be approximately +52 degrees. The observed deviation from the expected
value suggests a potential source of error in the experimental procedure or variations in
the concentration or purity of the Glucose solution used.
2. Tartaric Acid: The specific rotation value for Tartaric Acid was found to be +9 degrees.
Remarkably, this falls within the expected range for Tartaric Acid, demonstrating the
accuracy and reliability of the experimental procedure for this particular substance. The
agreement between the calculated and expected values lends credibility to the
experimental approach and affirms the validity of the results obtained for Tartaric Acid.
3. NaCl (Sodium Chloride): Surprisingly, the calculated specific rotation value for NaCl was
determined to be +2 degrees. However, NaCl is a well-known optically inactive
substance, and its specific rotation should theoretically be zero. The non-zero value
obtained could signify an experimental error, calibration issues, or potential
contamination.
Potential Sources of error in the experiment:
1. The top pan balance was precise only to 0.1g. This might have led to an inaccurate mass
amount measured.
2. A beaker was used to measure volume of water instead of more precise apparatus like
pipette.
3. The laser and polarizers were not fitted tightly and so they moved, and had to be
readjusted many times.
4. The polarized light would be rotated after exiting the second polarizer in a way that the
light would not enter the photodetector and so the detector had to be realigned
multiple times throughout the experiment.
5. The material of the solution tube also affected the rotation of light.
6. Not all of the solute was dissolved inside the solvent.
7. The tube may not have been linearly aligned with the polarized light which may have
caused some initial refraction of the polarized light.
8. Some of the light may also have been reflected from the surface of the tube.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the experiment demonstrated the clear connection between the chirality and the
observed optical rotation. Path length and the concentration of solutions were identified as
critical factors influencing the magnitude and direction of the rotation. These findings enhance
our understanding of the principles governing optical rotation and contribute to the broader
knowledge of chiral interactions with polarized light.