Properties of Laser Light: Coherent

This is part three of a three part investigation of the properties of LASER light from other light. Part 1: Monochromatic Light and Part 2: Collimated Light.

In this part, we’ll demonstrate that LASER light is coherent by comparing the interference pattern of a red LASER pointer to that of an LED light.

Grade Range: 9 to 14

Duration: 1/2 Hour – 1 Hour

Supplies:


NGSS Connections


PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation

  • Communicate technical information about how some technological devices use the principles of wave behavior and wave interactions with matter to transmit and capture information and energy. (HS-PS4-5)
Back to blog

Download this lesson and many others!

Includes NGSS Standards and Student Worksheets

Get safe laser pointers designed for this lesson

Our Laser Blox are designed for educational use at home and in the classroom. We test every batch to ensure total power is within safe limits and the magnetic housing keeps the laser pointing the right direction when used on a steel surface.

Or choose from our individual laser pointers:

If you just need one laser pointer for this lesson, you can get it right here! All of our laser pointers are tested to ensure safe power levels that match their laser safety rating.

1 of 8
  • Absorption and Transmission of Light (With Gummy Bears)

    Absorption and Transmission of Light (With Gumm...

    Gummy Bears and lasers come together in this fascinating question, “What happens when you shine green light on a red gummy bear, or red light on a green gummy bear”?...

    Absorption and Transmission of Light (With Gumm...

    Gummy Bears and lasers come together in this fascinating question, “What happens when you shine green light on a red gummy bear, or red light on a green gummy bear”?...

  • Invisibility for Muggles!

    Invisibility for Muggles!

    Recent advances have brought us closer than ever to mastering one of the holy grails of science: invisibility. With an Invisibility Kit and this hands-on STEM activity uses a simple...

    Invisibility for Muggles!

    Recent advances have brought us closer than ever to mastering one of the holy grails of science: invisibility. With an Invisibility Kit and this hands-on STEM activity uses a simple...

  • DIY microscope using smart phone camera

    DIY Smart Phone Microscope

    This is an astonishingly simple and inexpensive way to build a microscope that allows students to capture digital images of the world just beneath the surface. This project was originally...

    DIY Smart Phone Microscope

    This is an astonishingly simple and inexpensive way to build a microscope that allows students to capture digital images of the world just beneath the surface. This project was originally...

1 of 3