How does a single photon show a phase shift? Using the interference pattern created by light traveling through a double slit, the resource asks whether the interference pattern would still show if only one photon of light is sent at a time. The video sets up an experiment to find out and displays the resulting data as part of the Veritasium playlist.

Concepts

light, electromagnetic energy, electromagnetic waves, light waves, photons, wave crests, wave motion

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Research the history of scientists' theories about light
• If the class is not familiar with the double slit experiment, you can find it here

Classroom Considerations

• The class should have some concept of light and its properties

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Contains a graphical display of the waves being out of phase
• Provides an explanation of why the light in a double slit experiment using the sun appears as a blob

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.2 RST.9-10.9