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In Young's double slit experiment, what does "d" represent?

  1. The distance from the gaps to the screen

  2. The angle of the light source

  3. The gap separation between the slits

  4. The wavelength of the light

The correct answer is: The gap separation between the slits

In Young's double slit experiment, "d" specifically represents the gap separation between the slits. This distance plays a crucial role in determining the interference pattern created on the screen. When coherent light passes through these two closely spaced slits, it creates a series of bright and dark fringes due to constructive and destructive interference. The spacing and intensity of these fringes depend fundamentally on the width of the gaps, making "d" a pivotal measurement in analyzing the resulting pattern. By altering the value of "d," one can observe changes in fringe separation, illustrating the relationship between slit separation and wavelength, as well as the impact on the interference observed on the screen.