A level physics doubt about a Diffraction grating

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving a diffraction grating with 300 lines per mm and monochromatic light of wavelength 690 nm. The equation used is n*wavelength = d*sin x, where d represents the grating spacing. The user struggles to determine the maximum number of observable maxima due to uncertainty about the angle. The correct approach involves calculating the maximum order of diffraction using the grating equation and understanding the limitations imposed by the wavelength and grating density.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of diffraction grating principles
  • Familiarity with the grating equation: n*wavelength = d*sin x
  • Knowledge of wavelength measurement in nanometers
  • Ability to perform trigonometric calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Calculate the grating spacing for a 300 lines/mm diffraction grating
  • Learn how to determine the maximum order of diffraction
  • Explore the relationship between wavelength and observable maxima
  • Study examples of diffraction patterns produced by various grating configurations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying A-level physics, educators teaching optics, and anyone interested in understanding diffraction phenomena and calculations related to light behavior through gratings.

Atomsmasher2001
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Homework Statement


Monochromatic light of wavelength 690nm passes through a diffraction grating with 300 lines per mm, producing a series of maxima on a screen. What is the greatest number of maximas that can be observed?
A) 4
B) 5
C) 8
D) 9

Homework Equations


n*wavelength = d*sin x

The Attempt at a Solution



Well, I took it as: wavelength= 690x10^-9 m
D = 300 x 10^-3 m
So I tried substituting in the equation but I didn’t know what angle to take. So yeah that’s where I’m stuck.[/B]
 
Last edited:
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What have you tried? Where exactly are you stuck?
 
renec112 said:
What have you tried? Where exactly are you stuck?

Well, I took it as: wavelength= 690x10^-9 m
D = 300 x 10^-3 m
So I tried substituting in the equation but I didn’t know what angle to take. So yeah that’s where I’m stuck.
 
@Atomsmasher2001 In general, please give us some more context in section two of the template and show more effort to solve the problem in section three. Usually you will have made some considerations, drawings or even calculations, so show them. I counted your previous post #3 as such an effort, although it lacks more than it shows.
 
fresh_42 said:
@Atomsmasher2001 In general, please give us some more context in section two of the template and show more effort to solve the problem in section three. Usually you will have made some considerations, drawings or even calculations, so show them. I counted your previous post #3 as such an effort, although it lacks more than it shows.
Ok sorry. But this is all the relevant formulas for this. My working I’ll show more. But I have no clue for this so I’m getting a completely wrong answer(not even close to the options).
 

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