Bragg's law and double-slit experiment

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the slit separation for a double-slit experiment using 5eV electrons, specifically aiming for the first minimum of the diffraction pattern to occur at 5 degrees. The user initially references Bragg's law, which is traditionally used for maxima, but later clarifies that minima occur halfway between maxima. The wavelength is calculated as 248 nm, leading to the equation 1x240nm=2dsin5, which is used to derive the slit separation. Additionally, the user seeks to determine the distance from the slits to the detector plane, given that the first minima are separated by 1 cm.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wave-particle duality and electron diffraction
  • Familiarity with Bragg's law and its application in diffraction patterns
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions and their application in physics
  • Basic principles of interference and constructive/destructive patterns
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of Bragg's law in detail
  • Learn about calculating minima and maxima in double-slit experiments
  • Explore the relationship between wavelength, slit separation, and diffraction angles
  • Investigate the principles of interference in multiple slit configurations
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Physics students, experimental physicists, and educators interested in wave optics and electron diffraction experiments.

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I am asked to construct a double-slit experiment for 5eV electrons. The first minimum of the diffraction pattern needs to occur at 5 degrees, what must the separation of slits be?

I'm guessing that I should use Bragg's law but I don't know how to calculate a minumum because bragg's law is for maximums.

\lambda=\frac{1240eVnm}{5eV}

n \lambda=2dsin \theta

1x240nm=2dsin5

i would solve for d but wouldn't that be a maximum?

Also, I am asked to determin how far the slits have to be from the detector plan if the first minima on each side of the central maximum are separated by 1 cm.

we know that theta is 5 and the height is 1 cm, so... using 1cm/theta(5)=11.4 cm? that doesn't seem right to me.

any ideas as to what i am doing wrong?
 
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Some references on interference and multiple slits.

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/phyopt/mulslidi.html#c2

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/phyopt/slits.html

The maxima occur where the difference in distance is an integral multiple of wavelength, so that two peaks constructively interact. The minima occur where a peak and trough occur, or one wave is a half-wavelength out of phase with the other, so that they destructively interfere.

So a minimum should occur approximately halfway between two adjacent maxima.
 

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