Diffraction due to a narrorw slit

In summary, the question is asking for the width of a narrow slit when light of wavelength 490 nm is diffracted onto a screen 3.6 m away. The given information includes the distance between the central maximum and the third minimum on the screen, but the width of the slit is unknown. To solve this, one can use the formula for single slit diffraction and the known quantities of wavelength, distance, and angle to calculate the width of the slit.
  • #1
titan81
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0

Homework Statement



Light of wavelength 490 nm is incident on a narrow slit. The diffraction pattern is viewed on a screen 3.6 m from the slit. The distance on the screen between the central maximum and the third minimum is 2 cm. What is the width of the slit?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Not sure where I need to start. Can someone help me out
 
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  • #2
You should have in your notes or book, a formula ("single slit diffraction")for the angular positions of the various minima. This formula has the width of slit, the wavelength of the light, the number of the minimum counted from the centre, and the sin of the angle.
You can work out the angle from the distances given in the question, so you know all the quantities bar the width of the slit.
 

What is diffraction due to a narrow slit?

Diffraction due to a narrow slit is a phenomenon that occurs when a wave, such as light or sound, passes through a narrow opening or slit. The wave spreads out and bends, causing interference patterns to form.

What is the difference between diffraction and interference?

Diffraction and interference are both phenomena that occur when waves interact with each other. However, diffraction occurs when a wave passes through a narrow opening, while interference occurs when two or more waves meet and interact with each other.

How does the width of the slit affect the diffraction pattern?

The width of the slit has a direct impact on the diffraction pattern. A narrower slit will result in a wider diffraction pattern, while a wider slit will result in a narrower diffraction pattern. This is because the narrower the slit, the more the wave will spread out and diffract.

Can diffraction due to a narrow slit be observed with all types of waves?

Yes, diffraction due to a narrow slit can be observed with all types of waves, including light, sound, and water waves. However, the amount of diffraction may vary depending on the wavelength of the wave and the width of the slit.

What are some real-life applications of diffraction due to a narrow slit?

Diffraction due to a narrow slit has various applications in technology and everyday life. It is used in optical instruments, such as microscopes and telescopes, to improve image resolution. It is also utilized in diffraction gratings, which are used to separate light into its different wavelengths. Additionally, diffraction due to a narrow slit is responsible for the colorful patterns seen on CDs and DVDs.

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