Angles of Nodal Lines (Two point light source)

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
1 reply · 9K views
ND3G
Messages
79
Reaction score
0
A two-point source operates at a frequency of 1.0Hz to produce an interference pattern in a ripple tank. The sources are 2.5cm apart and the wavelength of the waves is 1.2 cm.

Calculate the angles at which the nodal lines in the pattern are located far from the sources. (assume the angles are measured from the central line of the pattern.


Given:
f = 1.0Hz
d = 2.5cm
wavelength = 1.2cm

Analysis:
sin = ((n - 0.5)*wavelength)/d

Solution:
sin1 = ((1 - 0.5)1.2cm)/2.5 = 14 degrees
sin2 = ((2 - 0.5)1.2cm)/2.5 = 46 degrees
sin3 = ((3 - 0.5)1.2cm)/2.5 = undefined

Paraphrase:
Therefore, far from the sources the nodal lines are located at angles of 14 and 46 degrees to the central line of the pattern.

I really wasn't sure what this question was looking for so I just did what seemed most likely. Can someone let me know if I am on the right track here or missing the point? Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
That looks good to me.