Re: Thomas Young's experiment

[Ludwik Kowalski <kowalskil@MAIL.MONTCLAIR.EDU>]

Yes, using sun rays (reflected into a room by a mirror) would
increase the intensity a lot. But was the real experiment
performed by using the sun or a flame? That is the question.
Also was it a set of slits or a set of pinholes?
Ludwik Kowalski

On Thursday, Oct 30, 2003, Hugh Haskell wrote:

> Actually, it was done in 1803, by which time I suspect that stronger
> light sources than just a candle were available, but even if not, I
> can think of at least two alternatives. One would be to focus the
> light of the candle on the spot that formed the source for the double
> slits (which wouldn't have to be too far from the source), using a
> concave mirror. Another would be to use sunlight. Granted sunlight
> would be a bit more difficult to use because the source is moving,
> but even if only momentary, it would be pretty bright, and thus the
> effect would be relatively easy to see.