Exploring Fraunhofer diffraction through Tracker and spreadsheet: An alternative lab activity for distance learning

Abstract

In this paper, we present an alternative for physics laboratory activity related to Fraunhofer diffraction in distance learning. The activity utilizes a demonstration video from MIT Open CourseWare, Tracker software, and spreadsheet. An online demonstration video is used because it is the most accessible resource during undesirable conditions such as COVID 19 pandemic. In the activity, students can explore diffractions phenomena with multiple slits. The effect of slit spacing and slit numbers to the intensity of light is investigated trough spectral analysis with Tracker. The investigation is followed by a discussion through the mathematical approach and visualization with spreadsheets. It will enrich students with a theoretical explanation of the observation. This distance learning activity allows students to develop their science process skills, mathematical and computational thinking skills, and conceptual understanding of Fraunhofer diffraction.