Single slit interference

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem related to the setup of a single slit experiment. It is mentioned that the first minimum for 440 nm light is at y1 and for 529 nm light is at y2. The question posed is about the ratio of y2/y1 and the conversation also includes a formula for calculating the position of the first minimum in a single slit experiment.
  • #1
jh24628
23
0
i really don't know where to start with this problem

Consider the setup of a single slit experiment

The first minimum for 440 nm light is at y1.
The first minimum for 529 nm light is at y2.

what is the ratio of y2/y1?

i know that the distance between two max is
(wavelength*dis between the slit and the screen)/(dis slit seperation)
 
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  • #2
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  • #3
jh24628 said:
i know that the distance between two max is
(wavelength*dis between the slit and the screen)/(dis slit seperation)
Careful. For a single slit experiment, the position of the first minimum is given by:
[tex]y = \lambda \frac{D}{a}[/tex]
where D = distance to screen; a = width of the slit
 

1. What is single slit interference?

Single slit interference is a phenomenon that occurs when a single beam of light passes through a narrow slit and diffracts, or spreads out, into a pattern of bright and dark fringes. This pattern is caused by constructive and destructive interference of the light waves.

2. How does single slit interference occur?

When a single beam of light passes through a narrow slit, the light waves diffract and spread out. As these waves overlap, they interfere with each other, resulting in areas of constructive interference where the waves reinforce each other and areas of destructive interference where the waves cancel each other out.

3. What factors affect the pattern of single slit interference?

The pattern of single slit interference is affected by the wavelength of the light, the size of the slit, and the distance between the slit and the screen where the interference pattern is observed. The pattern will also change if the light source or the slit is moved.

4. What is the significance of single slit interference?

Single slit interference is important in understanding the wave nature of light and can be used to study the properties of light, such as its wavelength. It also has practical applications, such as in the design of optical instruments like telescopes and microscopes.

5. Can single slit interference occur with other types of waves?

Yes, single slit interference can occur with any type of wave, not just light waves. It is a fundamental property of waves and can be observed with water waves, sound waves, and even electron waves.

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