Calculating Slit Width from Monochromatic Light Diffraction | 616nm Wavelength

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the slit width from monochromatic light diffraction using a wavelength of 616nm. The formula used is λ = y × w / L, where L is the distance to the screen, y is the distance to the second diffraction minimum, and w is the slit width. The user incorrectly applied the formula by using the distance to the second minimum instead of the first, leading to an incorrect calculation of the slit width. The correct approach requires using the distance to the first minimum for accurate results.

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Homework Statement


monochromatic light of wavelength 616nm is incident on a narrow slit. On a screen 1.7m away, the distance between the second diffraction minimum and the central maximum is 1.8cm. What is the width of the slit in mm?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


For the question i use the formula lambda = y x w / L
where L is the length to screen, y is the distance between the middle of the bright spot and the first dark line and w is the slit width. I rearrange the equation to get w and then just pug in the values and I get w = lambda x L / Y and the answer i get is w = 616E-9 x 1.7 / 0.018 = 5.82E-5m, bbut this answer is incorrect, can someone please help me with whatim doing wrong
 
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The question gives the distance to the second minimum not the first.
 

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