Teaching Physics with the Physics Suite

Edward F. Redish

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Shifting light and shadow

A. A mask containing a hole in the shape of the letter L is placed between a screen and a trio of very small bulbs as shown at the right.   On the diagram of the screen, sketch what you would see on the screen when the bulbs are turned on.

B. Which of the following things would happen to the pattern of light on the screen if the actions described in B1-B2 were carried out? After each action, the original situation is restored. (The changes do not cumulate.)

(a) It would move up.
(b) It would move down.
(c) It would move to the left.
(d) It would move to the right.
(e) It would spread out.
(f) It would get closer together.
(g) It would stay the same.
(h) Something else would happen.

B1. The mask is moved a bit to the left.

B2. The bulbs are moved upward a bit


Page last modified April 17, 2008: OP34