Calculating the distance between fringes in an alternate universe

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the distance between fringes in a physics context involving large wavelengths and golf balls, questioning the nature of the pattern produced and the relevant formulas.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of wavelength and its implications for the interference pattern, with one questioning the appropriateness of the Planck constant used. There is also a discussion about the formula for fringe distance and its dependence on various factors, including the setup of the experiment.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes clarifications about the values used in calculations and the assumptions made regarding the trajectory of the balls. Some participants have provided feedback and guidance on the interpretation of the equations involved, while others are exploring different aspects of the problem.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of large numerical values and potential typos in constants, which may affect the calculations. The discussion also indicates a lack of consensus on certain aspects of the problem setup, particularly regarding the relationship between fringe distance and experimental parameters.

Vitani1
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Homework Statement
In an alternative universe, the Planck’s constant h= 6.625x103 J •s . A resident of the universe, stands in front of a window made of two narrow parallel slits 0.6 m apart and throws tiny golf balls (m = 66.25 g), one at a time, at the slits with a speed of 5 m/s. A wall is 12 m behind the window.
(a)Describe the pattern you expect to see on the wall as the number of golf balls hitting the wall increases.
(b)Calculate the distance between neighboring golf ball fringes on the wall.
Relevant Equations
lambda = h/p
It's straightforward to calculate the wavelength of the balls which is 20,000m. I said that because this is the case and then the pattern must not be a an interference pattern as with electrons.

The second question relies on the formula d = n(lambda)/2. Setting n = 1 for two golf balls will give me 10,000m.

I am asking for help because these are large numbers. Obviously I don't want the answer but just some feedback.

Thanks,

John
 
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Vitani1 said:
It's straightforward to calculate the wavelength of the balls which is 20,000m. I said that because this is the case and then the pattern must not be a an interference pattern as with electrons.
Yes, you get a very large wavelength. I'm wondering if the question meant to take ##h = 6.625 \times 10^{-3} \rm J\cdot s## rather than ##h = 6.625 \times 10^3 \rm J\cdot s## .

The second question relies on the formula d = n(lambda)/2. Setting n = 1 for two golf balls will give me 10,000m.
Does ##d## represent the distance between fringes on the screen? If so, I don't understand this equation. Shouldn't the distance between fringes depend on the distance from the slits to the screen?
 
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Actually I just met with my professor and he made a typo. It is in fact to the power of -3. Also, yes, I agree with you. There is a sin term in the original formula which I set equal to 1 because I assumed the balls were being shot at the screen on a trajectory perpendicular to its length.
 
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I ended up calculating this angle and using some geometry to find this distance between fringes. Thanks for the help.
 
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