Diffraction Grating Maximum Order

AI Thread Summary
To determine the maximum order of diffraction for a grating with 1000 lines per mm illuminated by sodium light at 589.3 nm, the formula m = d/λ is used, where d is the slit spacing. The slit spacing d can be calculated as 1 mm / 1000, resulting in 1 µm. Substituting the values gives m = 1 µm / 589.3 nm, which simplifies to approximately 1.695. Since the maximum integer value for m is 1, the highest observable order of diffraction is the first order, confirming that higher orders, like the second or third, cannot be achieved. Thus, the maximum order of diffraction is 1.
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Homework Statement



A grating having 1000 lines per mm is illuminated with sodium light of mean wavelength 589.3 nm. Determine the maximum order of diffraction that can be observed.

Homework Equations



dsin(\theta)=m\lambda

d=slit spacing

The Attempt at a Solution



The order of diffraction is given by m, and m=(dsin\theta)/\lambda, so i figure m takes a maximum value when sin(\theta)=1, or when m=d/\lambda but i am not sure if this is correct.
I'd be grateful for any hints.
 
Last edited:
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Yes, the angle can't be greater than 90 degrees.
So if you put sin = 1 you will get a value for m that could be, for example, 3.4
This means you could get a 3rd order but not a 4th
 
thanks
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

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