Calculating Smallest Path Length Difference for Overlapping Waves at Nodal Point

[rrosa522]

Homework Statement

Two point sources, S1 and S2, are vibrating in phase and produce waves with a wavelength of 2.5 m. The two waves overlap at a nodal point. Calculate the smallest corresponding difference in path length for this point.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

I really don't know how to start this question. How can I find the length when I am only given the wavelength

 

[rpthomps]

What relevant equations do you think you would need?

 

[rrosa522]

What relevant equations do you think you would need?

sinθn= (n-1/2) (λ/d) , honestly I really don't understand what this question is asking

 

[rpthomps]

Do you know what sources are, nodal points and the paths from the sources to the point on the nodal line?

 

[rrosa522]

Do you know what sources are, nodal points and the paths from the sources to the point on the nodal line?

yes

 

[rpthomps]

There is a relationship which shows that the length of a line from a point on nodal line n, to source 1 and the length of another line from the same point on nodal line n, to source 2, when subtracted have a value dependent on the wavelength of the sources. Do you remember learning about path length difference?

 

[rpthomps]

Here is an article on it

http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/light/Lesson-3/The-Path-Difference