rachiebaby17
Apr29-09, 11:42 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
In a double-slit interference experiment, the wavelength is 579 nm, the slit separation is 0.12 mm, and the screen is 30.0 cm away from the slits. What is the linear distance between adjacent maxima on the screen? [Hint: Assume the small angle approximation is justified and then check the validity of your assumption once you know the value of the separation between adjacent maxima.]
2. Relevant equations
where
λ is the wavelength of the light,
d is the separation of the slits, the distance between A and B in the diagram to the right
n is the order of maximum observed (central maximum is n=0),
x is the distance between the bands of light and the central maximum (also called fringe distance), and
L is the distance from the slits to the screen centerpoint
3. The attempt at a solution
Again I'm completely lost, some hints on how to start would be great
In a double-slit interference experiment, the wavelength is 579 nm, the slit separation is 0.12 mm, and the screen is 30.0 cm away from the slits. What is the linear distance between adjacent maxima on the screen? [Hint: Assume the small angle approximation is justified and then check the validity of your assumption once you know the value of the separation between adjacent maxima.]
2. Relevant equations
where
λ is the wavelength of the light,
d is the separation of the slits, the distance between A and B in the diagram to the right
n is the order of maximum observed (central maximum is n=0),
x is the distance between the bands of light and the central maximum (also called fringe distance), and
L is the distance from the slits to the screen centerpoint
3. The attempt at a solution
Again I'm completely lost, some hints on how to start would be great