Angular Width Of Central Diffraction

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the angular width of the central diffraction peak for a single slit given specific wavelength and slit width values. The subject area pertains to wave optics and diffraction phenomena.

Discussion Character

  • Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use the formula for angular width but encounters a mathematical error. Participants question the consistency of units for wavelength and slit width, leading to discussions about unit conversions.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the units involved in the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the necessity of consistent units, but no consensus on the calculation method has been reached.

Contextual Notes

There is confusion regarding the appropriate units for wavelength and slit width, with participants noting the importance of using the same unit system for accurate calculations.

Chris18
Messages
12
Reaction score
0
350nm falls on a single slit of width of 0.20mm. What is the angular width of the central diffraction peak?
I think that the width should be equal to 2Θ, where Θ=arcsin(m*λ/d)... m=1 and we have λ=350*10^-9 and d= 0.20*10^-6...but when i do the calculations I get 1.75 and the arcsin is a maths error...Could anyone help me please?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Chris18 said:
λ=350*10^-9 and d= 0.20*10^-6
Are those numbers in the same unit?
 
λ=nm and d= mm
 
Note 1 mm ≠ 10-6 m.
 
Ok so I must have 10^-7 ?
 
Chris18 said:
d= 0.20*10^-6
You should have written the unit as well, if you write it correctly it will be ##d= 0.20 \times 10^{-6}## km. If you use km for d then you must also use km for ##\lambda##.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
2K