Bright Fringes (Intro to Quantum Physics Qestion?)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on a quantum physics homework problem involving the calculation of fringe spacing in a double-slit experiment. The original poster mistakenly swapped the values for the distance to the screen and the slit separation, leading to incorrect calculations. After clarification, the correct values were identified: the distance to the screen is 2.5m and the slit separation is 0.05mm. With the correct formula and values, the poster successfully recalculated the spacing between the central bright fringe and the first-order fringe. This highlights the importance of accurately identifying variables in physics problems.
megaoka
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Homework Statement


The distance between two slits is 0.05mm and the distance to the screen is 2.5m. What is the spacing between the central bright fringe and the first-order fringe? Use yellow light with a wavelength of 580nm


Homework Equations


xm=mλL/d


The Attempt at a Solution


L=0.5mm d=2.5m λ=580nm
xm=(1)(580x10-9)/(.5x10-3) = .00116m
(all the numbers were converted to meters)

Whenever I plug these problems in, I get a strange answer that isn't anywhere near the multiple choice answers. What am I doing wrong?

Multiple choice answer possibilities:
a) 0.01m
b) 0.029m
c) 0.29
d) 0.1m
e) 0.6m
I don't want the answer, I want to know what I did wrong here. If you get the right answer, please help!
Cheers,
~a distressed AP student
 
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Hi megoka,

You mixed up L and d. L is the distance to the screen 2.5 m, and d is the space between the slits 0.05 mm.
 
d=0.5mm L=2.5m λ=580nm
xm=mλL/d

x=(1)(580x10^-9)(2.5)/(0.5x10^-3)=.0029
Okay!

Thanks! I got my answer.
 
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