Measuring Diameter of Human Hair Using Diffraction (Lab 21 of 23)

This video from Laser-Tec is part of a series of light and optics experiments. In this lab, participants measure the diameter of human hair using diffraction. Participants learn about the diffraction of light on human hair and a thin metal wire, and then calculate the thickness of the hair and wire. Equipment includes a red laser diode module, laser holder, thin metal wire (or human hair), two lens holders, two wooden block mirrors, measuring tape, a protractor, pencil, and white sheet of paper. The video recording runs 9:55 minutes in length.