Angular Width Of Central Diffraction

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angular width of the central diffraction peak for a single slit with a width of 0.20 mm when illuminated by light of wavelength 350 nm. The formula used is 2Θ, where Θ=arcsin(m*λ/d) with m=1. A key error identified is the inconsistency in units; the wavelength (λ) must be converted to match the slit width (d) for accurate calculations. The correct unit conversion is essential for obtaining valid results in diffraction problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of single-slit diffraction principles
  • Familiarity with the arcsin function and its applications
  • Knowledge of unit conversions in physics (nm to mm)
  • Basic trigonometry for calculating angles
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  • Study the derivation of the single-slit diffraction formula
  • Learn about unit conversion techniques in physics
  • Explore examples of diffraction patterns and their calculations
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Chris18
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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?
 
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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##.
 

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